MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — In less than an hour, the McCallie tennis team landed a spot in its third consecutive TSSAA Division II-AA championship match.
The Blue Tornado swept Montgomery Bell Academy 4-0 in a quick semifinal match Tuesday night.
McCallie (14-0), the two-time defending state champ, will play for its seventh team title against Memphis University School or Knoxville Webb today at 2 p.m. EDT.
“We were glad to get this match under our belt, because nerves and starting late makes it tough,” said McCallie coach Eric Voges. “They were all good matches today, but our guys really kept the pressure on them. (MBA) is a young team and we have some age on them, but they’re going to be very good.”
McCallie’s David Henry beat Naveen Chadalavada 6-1, 6-1 at No. 1 singles, while J.P. McLemore at No. 2 beat Russel Anderson, 6-2, 6-2. The Blue Tornado’s Roger Briggs blanked Jim Shaub, 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5.
McCallie’s Chris Schlabach clinched the team win at No. 4, beating Palmer Campbell, 6-3, 6-2.
“We really took charge to pull this one out 4-0,” Schlabach said. “We’re looking forward to tomorrow. It’s the third time we’ve been here, but it’s always a challenge. We’re going to come out ready and bring our best, and we hope they do, too.”
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