Kilgo Takes 1st in Boy’s Singles

for Panther Tennis

 

 

            The Panther Tennis Team competed in its first spring tournament this past weekend, 2/16 & 17/07.  The Panthers competed in the Ennis 287 Spring Tournament.  The 287 is known for bring in top competitors from across the state.  “This tournament is a great place for us to see where we stand in the spring season.  It gives an opportunity to see what other teams are doing with their line-ups and areas that we need to improve on before the playoffs,” Coach Simonek. 

 

            The Panther Tennis Team would face competition from 15 other teams that are all ranked in the States top 20 of Tennis.  The tournament provides divisions for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.  Leading the way for the Panther Tennis Team was freshman Kolby Kilgo.  Kilgo took first place in Boys B Singles.  Kilgo defeated Birdville 6-1, 6-1, JJ Pearce 7-5,

6-1, McKinney 6-3, 7-6, en route to the tournament finals.  In the finals Kilgo would face the number one seed Rao from Wichita Falls Old High. 

 

            Rao and Kilgo would battle back and forth in the first set, staying on serve up to 5-5.  Kilgo would hold serve and break Rao to take the first set 7-5.  Kilgo would continue the momentum in the second set and finish the match 7-5, 6-3.  “This was a great start for Kilgo in his first spring season.  He puts in a tremendous amount of work and his results are earned through his efforts,” Coach Simonek.

 

            Also doing well for the Panthers were Frankie Allinson (Boys A Singles) and Elizabeth Allinson/Colleen Myers (Girls A Doubles).  Frankie Allinson went 3-1 and took 5th place in the A Division.  Allinson lost a tough match in the Quarterfinals to former State Doubles semi-finalist,  Flores (McKinney North).  Allinson would finish out the weekend with back to back wins against Wichita Falls Old High and McKinney.  “Frankie played awesome to finish out the tournament Saturday,” Coach Simonek. 

 

            Elizabeth Allinson/Colleen Myers lead the women’s side with a 5th Place finish in Girls A Doubles.  “These two seniors have been wonderful to work with throughout their High School days.  I am very excited about their last spring season,” Coach Simonek.  Myers/Allinson started the tournament defeating McKinney North 6-1, 6-3.  After a tough three-set loss to Ennis, the ladies defeated Lindale and Texas High to take 5th Place.

 

            Also competing and doing well for the Panther Tennis Team were: Sara Curry/Ben Gilbert (6th Mixed A Doubles), Brittany Becker/Kalle Amos (2nd Consolation Girls B Doubles), Jake Waltrip/Velora Hall (Quarterfinals Mixed B Doubles), Hunter Harrell/Mitch Guerra (Consolation Boys A Doubles), Lindsey Harrell (Consolation Girls A Singles), and David Sanders/Ryker Fitch (Consolation Boys B Doubles). 

 

            The Panthers travel to Corsicana this coming weekend, Friday 2/23, to compete in the Mertz Classic.  “I am very excited about our spring after this weekend.  I know the players are committed to working to attain their goals for and awesome spring season,” Coach Simonek.