Red Bank tennis coach Glen Wagner knew his team was going to have a tough match against Silverdale Baptist for the Region 3-A/AA girls’ championship. Although the two hadn’t faced each other during the season, the matches against common opponents had scores almost exactly alike.
The one advantage the Lady Lions might have had wasn’t one on paper but on the court. They had been there more recently.
The Lady Lions, who just finished their individual tournament Wednesday, advanced Thursday to a state sectional for the first time in Wagner’s seven years by virtue of a 4-1 victory over the Lady Seahawks at Rivermont Park.
Red Bank (15-2) will face Chattanooga Christian, which defeated Friendship Christian Academy for the Region 4-A/AA title, next week for a spot in the state tournament. CCS will host at a time and site to be determined.
“I think the fact that we’ve played some intense tennis this week played a factor in us winning,” Wagner said. “The girls played well today.”
Thursday’s success wasn’t easy. Three of the five contested matches went three sets, with District 6-A/AA singles champion Amy Metcalf of Red Bank defeating 5-A/AA champion Lauren Milligan 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 and Megan Long defeating Silverdale’s Kelsey Dalrymple 6-2, 2-6, 6-2.
The third three-setter went to the Lady Seahawks, as freshman Hannah Mench defeated Danielle Moore 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 for Silverdale’s lone victory.
District 6 runner-up Kristen Camp won 6-2, 6-0, and Ivory Conley — coming off an ankle injury Wednesday — won her match 6-3, 7-5.
Silverdale ended the season 11-3 but won its first district championship along the way. The Lady Seahawks graduate three seniors: Milligan, Dalrymple and Megan West.
“This team fought hard all year long,” Silverdale coach Kyle Christensen said. “We were ready to play today, but we just got beat by a better team.”