Addyson Mooney of Fort Defiance made history on Monday by winning the Region 2B singles tennis championship, securing her spot in the state tournament for the first time in over 25 years for the school. As the top seed in the regional tournament, Mooney faced tough competition throughout the day.
In her first match against Central Woodstock’s Mallory Hutton, Mooney emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 6-3 after a grueling battle on the court. Fort coach John Edgecomb praised Mooney’s strategic execution and resilience in the match.
The final showdown for the regional championship was against Clarke County’s Lucia Martinez-Barrio. In a thrilling back-and-forth match, Martinez-Barrio took the first set 6-3, but Mooney fought back to win the second set 7-6 in a tiebreaker. The decisive tiebreaker ended with Mooney clinching the championship with a score of 12-9.
Despite the scorching court temperatures reaching 120 degrees, Mooney displayed remarkable energy and determination to secure the victory. Edgecomb commended Mooney’s unwavering focus and strategy, which ultimately led to her triumph in the intense final match.
Mooney’s historic win not only showcases her exceptional talent but also highlights Fort Defiance’s resurgence in girls tennis. With her impressive performance, Mooney has set a new standard for the team and solidified her place as a standout player in the state tournament.