Hoggard/New Hanover Decided By Number Three Doubles Tiebreak

Two old rivals who also happen to be two of this year's best 4-A teams battled until the final moment of number three doubles on Thursday, April 8th in the state's Port City before John T. Hoggard prevailed 5-4 over Wilmington New Hanover.   Hoggard, ranked number six in the state in 4-A, improved to 2-0 in the Mideastern Conference and 9-1 overall with the victory.   Phillip Bonner and Matt Johnson rallied from an 8-7 deficit to take the tiebreak 10-8 at number three doubles.   "It was indeed a battle between two of the best teams in the state," said Hoggard assistant coach Tim Hower who was filling in for the day for head coach Michael Bowen.   Alex Gaines pulled out a third set tiebreak for the Wildcats, coached by David Henry, to knot the score at 3-3 after singles play.  New Hanover dropped to 1-1 in league play and 8-4 overall with the loss.  Both teams will be in action all weekend as Research Triangle powerhouses Raleigh Millbrook and Northern Durham visit Wilmington for the Azalea Festival and some tennis.  On Friday at 4:30, Hoggard hosts Raleigh Millbrook, the state's top-ranked 4-A team and the defending state champions while New Hanover hosts Northern Durham.    On Saturday morning at 9:00, Hoggard will host Northern Durham and New Hanover will host Millbrook.    This was Hoggard's eighth consecutive victory this season and its second 5-4 win over New Hanover.   The earlier meeting was a non-conference match.
Singles
Alex Gaines (NH) d. Will Kent (H) 2-6, 6-3, (10-6)
Sammy Kohl (NH) d. Non Bunnag (H) 6-3, 6-4
David Leder (NH) d. Chad Phelps (H) 6-2, 6-1
Philip Bonner (H) d. Tom Hicks (NH) 1-6, 6-4, (10-7)
William Visser (H) d. Shaun Spicer (NH) 6-0, 6-3 
Matt Johnson (H) d. Eric Leder (NH) 6-1, 6-2
Doubles
Gaines/Kohl (NH) d. Kent/Bunnag (H) 8-6
Phelps/Visser (H) d. Leder/Hicks (NH) 8-4 
Bonner/Johnson (H) d. Spiicer/David Cox (NH) 9-8(8)