First, the Delta Eagles girls’ tennis team honored their teachers.

Then, the Eagles passed the test.

Delta, ranked 20th, gained a 4-1 victory over 30th-ranked Mt. Vernon on a chilly, windy day at the DHS courts.

The victory extended the Eagles’ incredible Hoosier Heritage Conference dual-match winning streak to 74 straight matches in girls’ tennis.  This dates back to May 4, 2010 when the current seniors were in kindergarten.

The streak was in jeopardy as Mt. Vernon came to town with an unbeaten record, a state ranking, and a team full of athletes, including a standout freshman at No. 1 singles and some NCAA Division I soccer and basketball athletes in the doubles positions.

But Delta’s strong schedule paid dividends as the Eagles gutted out the victory. All five matches so far for Delta have been against opponents ranked in the state’s Top 30 poll.

First off the court on Wednesday was the No. 1 doubles team of Maggie Hunt and Madelyn Haley.  They won 6-3, 6-2.

Gabby Knight then wrapped up a 6-2, 6-3 victory at No. 2 singles.

Brylee Beckley clinched the team victory with a 7-5, 6-1 win at No. 3 singles.

Janet Wegener and Iva Witter started strong and finished strong, posting a 6-1, 6-7, 6-3 win at No. 2 doubles.

Mt. Vernon’s lone point came at No 1 singles, where freshman Kylie Brandes earned a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Gwendolyn Clark.

The JV match was a 5-5 tie.

Katie Alexander won a 9-8 tiebreaker at No. 1 singles.  Hailey Conner, Eden Richey and Kelsey Vest also collected singles victories.  Olivia Miller/Rylen Jones won 8-5 at No. 1 doubles.

Prior to the match, the team honored 27 influential teachers and staff members on Teacher Appreciation Day.  Each player and manager honored a favorite teacher from their past.

Delta (2-3) will play at home tonight (Thursday, April 21) against Alexandria. Start time is 4:45 p.m.