PHOTO BY GABE WOLF Freshman Katie Shaw practices returning volleys from coach Kenneth Peiser during Wednesday's afternoon practice session. The varsity teams' matches against Dripping Springs on Tuesday were ended early after lightning was seen in the area. The Lampasas varsity tennis teams were shocked by Dripping Springs on Tuesday, losing 14-2.

Things could have been worse, however. The Badgers could have been electrocuted.

Matches were called off early due to lightning strikes in the area as a storm rolled through town.

Lampasas was three matches shy of completing the day's competition. Amy Johnson was tied against her opponent, while Jessica Baker and Meredith Lane were each down a set but in the midst of rallying back when the announcement was made. Prior to the lightning scare, the team's two victories came from the girls' side. Macy McPherson excelled in her singles competition, while Johnson and Baker teamed up to win their doubles match in just two sets.

Senior Zach McKenzie lost his match but made tremendous progress overall, according to coach Kenneth Peiser.

"McKenzie was defeated in the score only," Peiser said. "He learned from his past two matches and is starting to play more aggressive and playing to win and not for it to be given to him."

The varsity teams return to the courts Saturday for another long day of tennis, should the weather permit.

At 8 a.m. Lampasas is scheduled to host Fredericksburg and, following a short break, it returns at 2 p.m. for matches against Copperas Cove.

The teams will then enjoy a week-long break from competitive action and return to the court the following Saturday for contests against Leander and Cedar Park.