The VHSL team tennis championships brought intense competition to Liberty University on Thursday, with Classes 1 and 2 battling it out on the courts in Lynchburg, Va.
The Radford Bobcats boys team made a historic run to the state final for the first time since 1998. Despite a valiant effort in the singles matches, including a win by Mason Murphy, the team fell short to Bruton, the two-time defending state runner-up, who claimed the boys Class 2 state championship with a 5-2 victory.
In the girls Class 1 team action, George Wythe faced off against Rappahannock in a rain-interrupted match. After a delay, the Raiders showcased their dominance and secured the girls Class 1 state championship with a 5-0 victory. Despite a loss in doubles, the team’s resilience and determination shone through, thanks in part to coaches Chuck Johnson and Mary Alice Watson, who were named the Class 1 Region C VHSL coach of the year.
In other doubles action, Patrick Henry’s Ana Maria Rincon and Taylor Prillaman fell to Great Bridge, while E.C. Glass’s Tovia Carothers and Mary Kennedy emerged victorious over Atlee, advancing to the state final where they will face Broad Run’s Izzy Rotaru and Lexi Rotaru.
As the competition heats up and the stakes get higher, teams are giving it their all on the courts. Stay tuned for more thrilling matches and intense showdowns as the VHSL team tennis championships continue to unfold.