OXFORD – In a match that seemed over from the start, with Cleveland Central forfeiting three matches to the Commodores, Lafayette cruised past Cleveland Central on Wednesday evening by a final score of 6-1. The Commodores move to 6-1 on the season with the win.

Given the circumstances, Lafayette intentionally did not play both its best boy and best girl in Wednesday’s match. Instead, they treated it as a tune-up and a moment of learning. Getting some younger kids playing time and experience, it was also a good time to tinker with lineups and find out a bit about the team.

“What we’re doing is looking for matchups and lineups in the future. We’re looking for someone to separate themselves from the others and be a leader,” said head coach Debbie Swindoll. “A lot of them play better when they’re the leader and some of them need to be led. So, part of it is just looking for the right pairings.”

Sophomore Nate Leary stood out from the pack against Cleveland Central. Leary hit a handful of impressive shots, guiding his partnership with Barrett Childers to a 6-4, 6-0 win in the boys double match.

“He’s just wired to be competitive. But the better he gets, it’s infectious. Last year, he played a lot with William Smith and they actually won a really pivotal match in the playoffs down in Grenada,” Swindoll said. “I can probably play him with anyone. He’s so competitive and fiery it can be infectious.”

Lafayette also swept the two girls doubles matches with Lucy Wilson and Sara Moore winning 6-2, 6-1 and the duo of Hudson Lindsay and Valerie Smith winning 6-2, 6-1. With the victory, the Commodores now have just one loss and three matches left before the opening of regional play.