Tennis program starts off strong
By Sam Waller
The Albany Lions tennis program enjoyed a strong start to the season Tuesday, Feb. 1, winning three of five draws at the Early Invitational.
Two of the divisions were all-Albany finals. Sarah Cotter defeated Sidney Russell in girls singles, while Ella Webb and Susie Cormack took the girls doubles title over Abi Hale and Chloe Daugherty.
The mixed doubles team of Jaci Chapman and Mikey Hernandez claimed Albany’s third win.
A third girls doubles team reached the semifinals with Leddie Leech and Robyn Trail finishing fourth.
The day was just the start of what coach M.J. Reneau hopes will be another successful season.
“We have a lot of kids who went to regional last year,” Reneau said. “We also have a move-in, Luke Marshall, who is a very strong tennis player.”
Cotter returns after reaching the girls singles final at the Class 2A state tournament last year. Other returning regional qualifiers include Webb and Cormack on the girls side and Luke Ivy and Cooper Fairchild on the boys.
Reneau said the lineup is almost set as far as varsity singles and doubles slots.
“We have a lot of returners that are kind of already set in those positions,” she said. “But things can change if there’s an injury that could force us to move some things around.”
Albany competes in District 10-2A with Anson, Cisco, Hamlin, Haskell, Hawley, and Stamford. The district tournament is scheduled March 28 and April 1 at Rose Park Tennis Center in Abilene.
Until then, everything is practice. The Lions have five more tournaments in the meantime, including their home tournament on March 2.
“I’m excited to step into this new role,” Reneau. “Everyone seems very committed, and they’ve put in in a lot of time. We’re hoping to take a full team to regional.”
Reneau said junior high tennis won’t begin competition until the conclusion of the junior high track schedule.
