Baylor defeated McCallie in tennis Thursday in what was almost a carbon copy of a match they played earlier this season.
The Red Raiders won the TSSAA East/Middle Region match at McCallie 6-1, following up on a 7-0 victory in the teams' previous meeting.
The similarities begin with there being an abundant amount of matchups both times that were close but went Baylor's way. Two of the Red Raiders' singles victories Thursday went three sets, and the Nos. 1 and 2 doubles matches ended 8-5 and 8-6.
"Every player that got a point, it could've gone the other way," Baylor assistant coach Ned Caswell said. "We got enough to win today. That's a good day. Tomorrow could've been a different story."
Alec Kadrie, Cooper Long, Brandon Kali, Ethan Palisoc and Ryan Toomey were singles winners for head coach Phillip Johnson's Red Raiders (6-4, 1-0).
"It's certainly a lot more fun when you win," said McCallie coach Eric Voges, whose team dropped to 9-5, 1-1. "There were a lot of close matches again. Always in this rivalry it gets tough. It gets tight. Baylor played well. We had a few chances, but things didn't go our way. I'm pleased with the way our guys fought hard. That was good to see."
Baylor swept the doubles matches, good for one point.
"What's great about this team for Baylor is that there are no superstars," Caswell said. "To win a state championship, it takes 13 guys playing as a team."
Blue Tornado No. 1 singles player Taylor Burgan prevented Baylor from shutting out its rival again. He was the only senior in McCallie's starting lineup on senior day, and he defeated Patrick Toomey 7-5, 6-1.
"It feels amazing," Burgan said of winning the last time he'll play at home. "I couldn't ask for anything better than that."
Voges said this marks the second time in the last week Burgan has avenged a loss from earlier in the season.
"He's starting to play better and compete," Voges said. "I saw him keep the ball in play and make that guy hit more balls. Taylor has played number one most of the year for us. Playing one in our league and with our schedule is tough. I'm proud of his continuing improvement as a senior. That's nice to see."
Burgan trailed 5-3 in the opening set before rallying to win four consecutive games. The second set was 1-1, then Burgan won out.
"I knew I had to keep a strong first-serve percentage in order to win," Burgan said. "He returns serves pretty well. Patrick is a good player. He got me frustrated a couple of times. I just had to try and maintain my composure."
Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653. Follow him on Twitter @KelleySmiddie.