OWATONNA -- A lineup switch didn't pay off on Tuesday, but Austin boys tennis coach Matthew Cavanaugh hopes it does in the near future.
Austin lost to host Owatonna 7-0 in Big Nine Conference play as the Packers slipped to 0-5 overall, 0-4 in the Big Nine.
Cavanaugh moved No. 2 singles player Jesse Morgan to No. 2 doubles and moved Michael Binder to second singles and Andy Sundahl to No. 3. Roster spots may vary at No. 4 singles and three doubles.
"We're trying to make ourselves a little more competitive," Cavanaugh said.
He said Owatonna featured a deep squad. The young Packers managed to win just one set in the match.
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"No. 1 doubles was by far the best match," Cavanaugh said. "Every game and every point were contested."
Owatonna's top doubles team of Jon Schiener and Paul Comaher held off Tucker Schieck and Mike Cavanaugh 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.
"Tucker and Mike looked great out there," coach Cavanaugh said. "They lost, but they continue to improve."
Jim Reetz and Morgan were paired at No. 2 doubles for the first time this season. Owatonna's second doubles team of Matt Olson and Matt Christopherson posted a 6-4, 6-2 win.
"They played well," Cavanaugh said of the Austin pair. "You could see them feeling each other out out there."
The Packers will return to Big Nine action on Thursday at Winona in a 4:30 p.m. match.
OWATONNA 7, AUSTIN 0
Singles -- Brian Laumeyer (O) def. Alex Huncek 6-1, 6-2; Matt Larson (O) def. Michael Binder 6-0, 6-0; Nick Rotchadel (O) def. Andy Sundahl 7-6 (7-3), 6-1; Mike Borget-Poepping (O) def. Jack Lynch 6-2, 6-0. Doubles -- Jon Schiener/Paul Comaher (O) Tucker Schieck/Mike Cavanaugh 6-1, 5-7, 6-3; Matt Olson/Matt Christensen (O) def. Jim Reetz/Jesse Morgan 6-4, 6-2; Matt Arnold/Aaron Sparks (O) def. Tyler Hansen/Luke Green 6-3, 6-0.
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Mayo blitzes Century
Rochester Mayo had an easy time with Rochester Century Tuesday, gliding by the Panthers 7-0 in Big Nine Conference boys tennis.
The Spartans, now 3-1 in the conference and 6-2 overall, won all their matches in straight sets.
Century coach Kevin Allen went away impressed with Mayo.
"I think since they lost last week to Winona that they are more determined than ever," Allen said. "They were all business out there and got their matches over with very quickly."
Century is 2-2 in the Big Nine, 2-4 overall.
Mayo 7, Century 0
Singles -- Zach Smith (M) def. Matt VanOosten 6-1, 6-1; Andrew Schwartz (M) def. Jon Piepho 6-2, 6-0; Rob Trousdale (M) def. Steve Lantz 6-0, 6-3; Phillip Loprinzi (M) def. Nelson Cheung 6-1, 6-3. Doubles -- Josh Tomashek/Tony Miller (M) def. Alex LaForgia/Andrew Wille 6-2, 6-2; Drew Erie/Drew Tomashek (M) def. Grant Collins/Kevin Huss 6-3, 6-2; Peter Carr/Nate Bengali (M) def. Peter Wieben/Jon Lee 6-1, 6-1.
