By virtue of its strong play this season, the Avery Lady Vikings tennis team received a bye in the opening round of the NCHSAA 1A State Tennis Duals Tournament. Avery found out last weekend that its second round opponent is Mount Airy, the 2nd ranked team in the state in 1A tennis with a 16-1 overall record. The Lady Bears defeated East Wilkes 9-0 to advance and host the match held Tuesday afternoon.Full results on Avery’s performance in the state duals will be available here on the blog, as well as in next week’s print edition.
Avery’s regional qualifiers traveled to East Montgomery High School last weekend to compete in the Western Regional individual tournament.
In doubles action, Avery’s team of Morgan Stout and Lauren Avery competed valiantly in opening round play, but fell to a duo from Albemarle High School in a three-set thriller 4-6, 6-2, 4-6.
Viking senior Anna Melton entered the weekend’s regional play as the #4 seed. In the opening round of action Melton defeated North Rowan’s Corben Bennett in straight sets 6-1, 6-1. In round two Melton defeated Kaylea Brown from Elkin High School in a 6-1, 6-4 straight-set victory
Saturday’s semifinals and final match was postponed due to rain, forcing the reschedule and relocation of the matches to Monday at West Stokes High School. Melton squared off on Monday in a semifinal match with top seed Megan Shelton from East Surry High School. Melton was unable to overcome the talented Shelton, as she was defeated in straight sets 6-0, 6-0.
Anna’s final match on Monday put the senior against third-seeded Jessica Gentry from Alleghany. Facing another tough foe, Melton was upended by scores of 6-4, 6-0.
Anna’s first two victories in regional play guaranteed her a berth in the state individual tournament, scheduled for October 30-31 at Cary Tennis Center, as the #4 seed from the West.
