Tennis qualifiers compete

Nine Albany tennis players made their bids to qualify for the Class 2A state tournament this week, competing Wednesday- Thursday, May 8-9 at the Region II-2A tournament at Richland Tennis Center in North Richland Hills.

No results were available at press time.

The top two finishers in each draw qualify for the Class 2A state tournament, scheduled for Thursday-Friday, May 16-17 at Blossom Tennis Center in San Antonio. In draws where the loser of the championship match has not played the winner of the third-place match, a playback will determine the second qualifying spot.

The qualifiers departed Tuesday, May 7 and conducted a brief practice at the regional site. Coaches held a seeding meeting, and brackets were drawn that evening.

“Then we had a team dinner and went to bed,” coach M.J. Reneau said. “Wednesday,wewokeup for a full day of tennis.”

Wednesday saw each draw play through the semifinals. Championship, third place, and playback matches are scheduled for today.

Albany’s Luke Marshall in boys singles and Sidney Russell in girls singles are both two-time state qualifiers. Caroline Chapman is also qualified in girls singles.

Two doubles players are looking to return to state with new partners. In girls doubles, Jaci Chapman is paired with Robyn Trail after qualifying with Ella Webb last year.

In boys doubles, Cason Fairchild is teamed with younger brother Cade after advancing with London Fuentes in 2023.

In mixed doubles, Abi Hale and Jake Hale returned to the regional tournament after finishing fourth last year.