BUCYRUS — The Shelby tennis team is becoming extremely comfortable at the Bucyrus tennis courts.

The Whippets swept first place in all five categories to run away with the eight annual Sam Sabback Invitational Tennis Tournament at Bucyrus High School.

Shelby’s 20 total points outdistanced second place River Valley, which finished with 14 points. The win marks the second straight year the Whippets have won the Sabback.

“I felt going in Shelby would be the favorite, but I did not expect the total domination that they showed,” Tournament director John Supon said. “They are solid in singles and doubles, nothing flashy, just good fundamental tennis which is a trademark of a Coach Jeff Kurtzman team.”

In first singles, the Whippets’ Gracie Mahek defeated Maddie Dion of Clear Fork in the final, 8-4. Sadie Smith shut out Olivia Kaufman of River Valley in second singles, 8-0. In third singles, Raegan Gurney beat Natalie Klenzman of River Valley, 8-1.

In first doubles, Sharrock and Vogt blanked River Valley’s Richards and Ward, 8-0. In second doubles, Fordyce and Eith dropped Harris and Cookson of River Valley, 8-3.

“River Valley is good up and down the line up, but I thought the Ontario and Pleasant girls showed a lot of competitiveness also,” Supon said.

Ontario finished third with seven points and Pleasant was fourth with four points in the eight-team field.

Host Bucyrus was a somewhat disappointing fifth, tied with Clear Fork with three points each. Galion and Upper Sandusky did not score. Points are awarded for first place (4), second place (3) third place (2) and fourth place (1).

“I know Coach Kris Knodell was disappointed in the Bucyrus final results, but the girls played very hard and the competition was tough,” Supon said. “This is an excellent tune up for the sectionals coming up in October for all the girls.”

Hannah Scott finished fourth in third singles for the Lady Redmen. Scott and Taylor were fourth in first doubles and Kuhn and Schiefer came in fourth in second doubles to account for Bucyrus’ points.

Sectional tournaments are scheduled for the week of October 5.