Panthers Have Success at

Region II Tournament

Allinson Region II

Runner - Up

 

 

Frankie Allinson Heads to State

 

            The Panther Tennis Team competed in the Region II Tennis Tournament on April 25 and 26, 2007.  The Panthers sent five District Champions to the Region II Tournament.  “We were very excited about all of our players that were going to the Region II Tournament.  This is the toughest Region in the State and we knew that our players were ready to compete at a very high level,” Coach Simonek. 

                Frankie Allinson led the way for the Panther Tennis Team.  Allinson earned a trip to the State Tournament by taking second place in the Men’s Singles bracket.  “I am so proud of Frankie.  He has worked extremely hard this Spring.  All the time that he puts in at team practice and the extra time he puts in at the courts, has helped him accomplish something that has not been done in over 12 years at Midway,” Coach Simonek. 

                Allinson opened the tournament with straight set wins over Ulysses Murin (North Dallas) 6-0, 6-0 and June Choe (McKinney) 6-3, 6-1.  In the semifinals Allinson would face the number one seed, Casey Powers, from Highland Park.  “Powers is a great player.  He has been to State since his Freshman year and this is his fourth trip to the tournament,” Coach Simonek.  Allinson would lose a tough match to Powers, 2-6, 3-6. 

                To make the trip to State Allinson would have to win the third place match and hope that Powers won the finals against Flores of McKinney North.  If this took place, Allinson would get to play Flores in a playback for 2nd place.  Allinson quickly took care of business in the third place match defeating the #3 seed, Max Schellenberg of Highland Park, 6-2, 6-2.  The opportunity for the playback was presented after Powers won a close match 7-6, 6-1 against Flores. 

                “Frankie played a great match against Flores.  He really worked a great game plan and dictated the majority of the play against the #2 seed.  It was really awesome and we are all fired up for Frankie,” Coach Simonek.  Allinson defeated Flores (McKinney North) 6-3, 6-3. 

                Also having great tournaments for the Panthers and reaching the Regional Quarterfinals were the Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Men’s Doubles Teams.  “Our whole team has done an awesome job preparing for the playoffs this year.  They put in extra time in the mornings and have shown a true commitment to excellence,” Coach Simonek.

                Lindsey Harrell opened up the tournament with an upset over the #5 seed, Laura Penny from Corsicana, winning the match 6-4, 7-6.  “I am so happy for Lindsey.  She worked hard and won the District Championship.  Then she plays a solid match and beats Penny from Corsicana.  She is going to have such an awesome year as a senior next year,” Coach Simonek.  In the quarterfinals Harrell fought to the end, but came up short against the #3 seed, Madison Phenix from Henderson. 

                Kolby Kilgo / Chris Fernandez started with a quick victory over Hooker / Miller (South Oak Cliff) 6-0, 6-0.  “Kilgo / Fernandez came a long way as a doubles team this Spring.  They will only get better and will be a huge force for our team in doubles next year,” Coach Simonek.  Kilgo / Fernandez would lose in the semifinals to the #1 seeds (2 time defending 5A State Champs) Keplar/Plum.

                Colleen Myers / Elizabeth Allinson rounded out the Panthers trip into the Quarterfinals.  “These are two great examples of what it means to be a Panther Tennis player.  They have shown tremendous heart and commitment over the past four years.  I am so happy for them and I know they have a great path ahead of them,” Coach Simonek.  Myers / Allinson won their opening round over Starling / Green (Lincoln) 6-0, 6-0.  In the quarterfinals they lost a well played match to the #1 seeds McDade / Stainback (Highland Park) 3-6, 3-6. 

                “I am so proud of all the players on our team.  Our mixed team of North / Guerra played a great match at regionals, but had a tough draw.  With the way that all of our players work and continued commitment, we have a lot to look forward to over the years to come.  We also have one more tournament to look forward to this year, State.  It is going to be an awesome ride and Frankie will do a phenomenal job representing his team and school,” Coach Simonek.  The State Tournament will be held May 7 and 8 at the University of Texas.