Albany tennis shines in Abilene

By Sam Waller

The Albany tennis team took just three entries to the Hawley Invitational on Thursday, Feb. 27, but came home with the top two spots in mixed doubles.

With the entire lineup available Monday, March 3 at the Vernon Invitational, Albany claimed one title and five medals in three draws. Details will be reported next week.

Albany takes next week off for spring break, then returns to action Tuesday, March 18 at the Abilene High tournament.

At the Hawley tournament, played at Abilene’s Rose Park Tennis Center, Mimi Ivy and Cade Fairchild defeated teammates Abi Hale and Jake Hale 6-4, 6-3 for the mixed doubles title.

“It was a great day for us,” coach M.J. Reneau said. “I’m very proud of the mixed doubles. It’s going to be another strong season for the program, and having two strong mixed doubles team will make us better in practice and competition.”

Ivy and Fairchild, a new pairing this spring, swept three matches against Rotan, Bangs and Hawley to reach the final. The Hales, who qualified for state last year, won against Baird and Anson, splitting sets in the first match.

In boys singles, Slayten Kelly won one of three matches, sandwiching a win over Hawley between losses to Clyde and Anson.

“Slayten’s a freshman,” Reneau said. “He works hard and does well.”