MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Coming into the season, GPS coach Sue Bartlett was well aware of a couple of young faces that she hoped would contribute to her tennis team in 2010. Her only question was how eighth-grader Aliza Williams and freshman Emma McCallie would blend in with the four other starters -- all of whom had varsity experience.
The two played well together during the season, individually and as doubles partners. Late in the season, Bartlett made a change and teamed up Williams with senior Sarah Evans, and McCallie with junior Bronte Goodhue.
The results were an overall 14-2 record, culminated by a Division II-AA state championship victory over Baylor.
"They played phenomenal," Bartlett said. "The girls are young, but they've had a lot of experience playing in tournaments. I know that playing on a team is a lot different than playing for your self, but those and the way they came through was fantastic."
McCallie didn't get the opportunity to finish her match against Katie Thornton, as they were tied 4-all in the deciding set, but that didn't deter the freshman's excitement from the team title.
"She said she was fine with that," Bartlett said.
Williams, who defeated Harper Caswell 7-5, 6-1 in Wednesday's final, mentioned that being a part of a state championship as an eighth-grader was "unreal.
"It's like I can't feel anything now," she said. "I'm on cloud nine. I can't believe that I contributed to this win - I'm still shaking. It feels not real."
She enjoyed the opportunity to play with Evans - a Wofford College signee.
"At the beginning of the year, I didn't expect to play with Sarah," Williams said. "I was partners with Emma, but coach made the change.
"I loved playing with Emma, but I loved playing with Sarah, too. I wasn't aware that I would play, but I'm glad I got the opportunity."