Ivy, Fairchild take third at state tennis tourny

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany High School was represented by two mixed doubles teams at the UIL State Tennis Tournament last week in San Antonio, and both duos closed out the season with impressive performances on the court.

Leading the way were juniors Mimi Ivy and Cade Fairchild, who captured third place and earned state medals after a hard-fought run. The pair received a first-round bye, then came from behind to defeat Patrick Hernandez and Nevaeh Gonzalez of Fort Hancock 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-1. In the semifinals, they fell to eventual runners-up Cooper Ratliff and Taylor Bierschwale of Mason 6-2, 6-2.

“Winning in San Antonio in that heat and humidity was tough,” said Albany tennis coach M.J. Vickers. “Mimi and Cade showed a lot of grit. That medal was well-earned.”

Seniors Abi Hale and Jake Hale also advanced to the state quarterfinals after a strong opening-round win over Sawyer Moore and Teely Salazar of Martin’s Mill, 6-4, 7-6(5). The Hales were eliminated in their second match by Colton Kuykendall and Ashley Lopez of Big Lake Reagan County, 6-0, 6-0.

“I’m really proud of the Hales for making the top 12 in the state,” Vickers said. “They went further than they did last year and finished their careers strong. They’ve been a competitive, successful team that stuck together all four years, and it showed.”

This year marked the first time Albany has qualified two mixed doubles teams for the state tournament – a milestone for the program and a reflection of its depth and consistency.

With the Hales graduating, Albany will lose two senior players, but seven of the nine athletes who reached regionals this season are expected to return next year.

“It’s a pretty competitive and experienced group, even though they’re young,” Vickers said. “We’re excited about what they can accomplish moving forward.”