Despite a late start, Brown County never faltered, beating Edinburgh 5-0 Wednesday in the first round of the Columbus North boys tennis sectional.

The Eagles were led by No. 1 singles player Duncan Ricci, who beat Edinburgh’s Kyle Pendleton 6-0, 6-0.

Ricci said he was pleased with the performance but is looking ahead to the next match, when the Eagles will take on Hauser in the semifinals at 4:30 p.m. today.

“It should be a good match,” Ricci said. “We played them earlier in the season but didn’t get to finish due to rain, so it should be interesting.”

Brown County’s No. 1 doubles team also put on a strong performance, with Bryce Fish and Evan Rose defeating Edinburgh’s Jonathan Phelps and Zach Pendleton 6-1, 6-1.

Nathan Miller downed Carlos Galvan 6-4, 6-1 at No. 2 singles, and Shane Franklin beat Chris Quillen 6-3, 6-2 at No. 3 singles. Dakota Patterson and Brady Rose blanked Bryan Boyd and Kinser Bryant 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 doubles.

“Nice way to start the IHSAA sectionals with a victory,” stated Coach Kevin Roush in a statement emailed Wednesday. “I thought all the guys played well tonight. The No. 1s really jumped in and led the way tonight. Hauser will present at tough challenge for us tomorrow night. I think that we have a good shot at playing in the championship match on Friday if all of our players play well tomorrow.”