Panther Tennis

Complete District 16-AAAA Championship

With a 16-3 Win over Killeen

    This Tuesday, October 12, 2004, the Panther Tennis team completed its drive to a 3rd straight district championship.  The Panthers went 4-0 in District with a 16-3 win over the Killeen Roos.  "The most important thing that is happening here is the demand for success.  The players believe in themselves and want to continue the tradition of success with Midway Tennis," Coach Simonek.

    The Panthers started strong in doubles play, taking an early lead in the match 6-1.  "We have really started to get into our groove in doubles.  It is all coming together at the right time of the year," Coach Simonek.  Leading the way for the Panthers in doubles was the veteran tandem of Dunlap/Rivera.  Dunlap/Rivera defeated Contreras/Laguene by a score of 6-2, 6-2.  "Dunlap/Rivera have been a major part of this team the past few years.  They will have a great deal to do with our success in doubles at the Regional Tournament," Coach Simonek.  Also winning matches in doubles were Martindale/Harder, Hudson/McCarter, Kidwell/Palladino, McCarter/Allinson, and Foster/Myers.

    The Panthers continued their dominance in the singles match play.  The Panthers ten out of the 12 matches played in singles.  "The momentum just kept rolling for us.  It was great to see the players finish out strong in the district finally," Coach Simonek. 

    Leading the way for the Panthers in the singles play was Jon Hudson. Hudson defeated the number one singles player, Ahson Fardogi, in straight sets 6-1, 6-2.  "Jon did a fantastic job today of working his court and being patient in his point building.  He waited for the right opportunities to finish points," Coach Simonek.  Also winning key matches for the Panthers were Ben McCarter, Mark Palladino, John Kidwell, Ross Natividad, Aaron Miller, Lizzie McCarter, Magaly Rivera, Brittany Dunlap, and Amanda Alvarado.

    The Panthers will face the Robinson Rockets next Tuesday, October 19, 2004, in a pre-regional match.  The Panthers will then travel to Grapevine the following week to compete in the Region II Team Tennis Tournament.  "We are really coming together in our doubles right now.  Our singles has been very dominant all year.  As the doubles comes together this will give us some great opportunities at the Regional Tournament this fall," Coach Simonek.