The Linsly girls’ tennis team continued their dominance by capturing their 13th consecutive OVAC Class 1A-4A championship at the John Marshall High School courts in Glen Dale. After a strong showing in doubles play on Monday, the Cadets added to their lead with a stellar performance in singles competition on Tuesday.
Junior Ava Bartlett played a key role in Linsly’s victory, defending her title at No. 3 singles with an 8-5 win over University’s Brooklyn Rutledge. Bartlett showed resilience after falling behind early in the match, rallying to secure the victory for her team.
Head coach Dave Riethmiller, who has been at the helm of the program for 36 years, praised his team for their collective effort in securing the championship. Riethmiller, who recently announced his retirement, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with talented players over the years.
In Class 5A, University claimed the title by edging past Morgantown, with standout player Lyla Byers leading the way. Byers, the reigning state titlist in West Virginia, showcased her skills by rallying to defeat Wheeling Park’s Madeline Bradshaw in the No. 1 singles match.
The competition was fierce throughout the tournament, with teams like Oak Glen and Wheeling Park putting up strong performances. As the boys prepare to take the courts for doubles action, the excitement and intensity of the OVAC tennis championships continue to captivate players and fans alike.