Parkers Chapel finished second in both the girls’ and boys’ division of the 2A State Tennis Tournament last year. Coach Casey Rapp saw each entrant earn a berth in this year’s state tournament, which will be held Oct. 14-15 at Riverside High School.
“The keys to our success will be everyone playing their best game. I know what they are all capable of and I want to see them put that in action,” said Rapp.
The Lady Trojans fell two points short of the state title last year. They return the reigning state doubles champion in the duo of senior Kenlee McAuliffe and junior Ali Looney.
“We are looking to be strong competitors going into the state tournament. On our girls’ side we will have returning state champs Kenlee McAuliffe and Ali Looney. It is added pressure for them to be defending their title, but they are playing well and I have great hopes that they can achieve the same outcome,” said Rapp. “Our other doubles team is composed of juniors Macie Wood and Drue Thomas who are both very strong players and looking to edge their way into the finals as well.”
Rebekah Hardy won conference in girls’ singles and will join Molly Housdan in the singles’ bracket.
“Neither singles players had the opportunity to play in the state tournament last year, but both have the ability to come in and do well,” said Rapp. “As a whole, our girls team has great potential to compete for the title this year.”
On the boys’ side, Jordan Arrington will team with Austin Looney in doubles.
“Arrington has placed third in doubles for the past two years and Austin made it to the second round with Jordan’s brother last year. They should be a pretty strong duo for this year,” said Rapp. “Our other doubles team is composed of Korbin McAuliffe and Spencer Frisby. They are both new to the state tournament, but they play smart and hard.
Payne Williams won conference in singles and advanced in last year’s state tournament.
“He has played well for the past two years as a singles in state,” said Rapp. “Heath Bates is also a very strong singles player. All in all, our boys will be looking good in both the singles and doubles brackets.”