Tennis players compete well at regionals

All five of Albany’s young tennis players were eliminated at the regional tournament last week, although a singles player made it to the semifinals, and the local boys doubles team made it to the second round.

“I took four freshmen and one sophomore to Odessa, all for their first time at the regional tournament,” said tennis coach Sara Wilson. “I think they all played really awesome and made a great showing.”

She added that the athletes gave great effort both before and during tournament play in Odessa.

Regional Results

Freshman Sarah Cotter defeated Rigdon of Fort Hancock 6-3, 6-2 in her first round on Wednesday morning, April 17.

Later that day, she beat Brooks of Miles 6-3, 6-3 in the quarterfinal match.

Early on Thursday morning, she met the number one seed Sandoval of Olton and lost 6-3, 6-2. She then played Morgan of Boys Ranch for third place, losing in split sets, 6-4, 3-6, 6-6 (7-4).

“Sarah had a number four seed and ended in fourth place,” said Wilson. “She did an outstanding job, an excellent showing for a freshman in one of the state’s toughest regions.”

In boys doubles, freshmen Luke Ivy and Cooper Fairchild defeated Hallmark/Valdez of Lockney 6-7, 7-6, 6-4 in a long first round on Wednesday, then lost to Travor/Folk of Wellington 6-0, 6-3 later in the day.

“Luke and Cooper fought hard to win the first set and made some very athletic shots,” said the coach. “That’s not bad at all for a pair of freshmen.”

Landree Connally and Susie Cormack in girls doubles were eliminated in the first round by Forest/Molina of Olton, but split the sets in a hard-fought battle, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6.

“Landree and Susie just started playing together last week,” said Wilson. “Both girls served well and did a good job making adjustments to stay with this strong Olton team.”