Tennis qualifiers to play May 8-9
Albany will have six entries comprising nine athletes vying for state berths Wednesday-Thursday, May8-9attheRegion II-2A tennis tournament at Richland Tennis Center in North Richland Hills.
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 SanAntonio. 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.
Albany has more players who qualified for state last year – four – than players making their regional debut. Luke Marshall in boys singles and Sidney Russellin girls singles are both two-time state qualifiers. Marshall reached the semifinals in 2022 and finals last year.
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. Chapman then was forced to miss the state tournament because of illness.
In boys doubles, Cason Fairchild is teamed with younger brother Cade after advancing with London Fuentes.
In mixed doubles, Abi Hale and Jake Hale return to the regional tournament after finishing fourth last year. Abi Hale was then Chapman’s emergency replacement at state.
Girls singles qualifier Caroline Chapman finished third at district last year and served as a regional alternate.
Coach M.J. Reneau said the level of experience Albany players carry into regional bodes well.
“I think experience goes a long way,” Reneau said. “We’re looking forward to getting down there and playing our best.”
The team will depart Tuesday, May 7 with a seeding meeting and brackets drawn that evening. On Wednesday, three rounds will be played through the semifinals. Championshi and third-place matches will beplayed Thursday morning with any playbacks in the afternoon.
To prepare for the tournament, Reneau scheduled a practice with Abilene Christian this week.
“It’s nothing formal, not a tournament or anything, just somebody different to hit balls with,” she said. “They’re very competitive. They have a great team, so is should be a great practice.”
Photo By Julia Vega
