Wins 5th District Title in a Row
The Panther Tennis Team continued its path of success with a new and young team this year. The Panthers finished the season 16-8 and took its 5th District Title in a row. “We new this was going to be a young year for us and the players all raised their level of play to meet the challenge. They also did a great job of meeting the adversity of injuries and other challenges. I am very proud of these players and what they accomplished this year,” Coach Simonek.
The Panthers started the year with two third place finishes in team tournaments. The Panthers took 3rd Place in the Midway Team Tennis Tournament. The Panthers lost a tough match in the semifinals 8-10 to Corsicana, but turned it up to beat Groesbeck for 3rd Place.
The Panthers would travel to Texarkana to compete in the Texas High Tournament in September. The Panthers went undefeated the first day with a 10-0 victory over Pine Tree and a 10-2 victory over Jacksonville. The second day the Panthers faced Texas High in a match for the final. The Panthers lost a tough battle 7-10. “I was very proud of our guys and the way that they played. Texas High has a great team and we battled them to the end on their home courts,” Coach Simonek.
The Panthers would finish out the tournament with a 10-3 win over Sulpher Springs. This gave the Panthers 3rd place in the competitive tournament.
The Panthers would complete their September and start October by going undefeated in District play. The Panthers opened district with a 18-1 victory over Killeen, Defeated Copperas Cove 14-5, Waco High 19-0, and finished out their District Title with a 16-3 win over rival Brownwood.
The Panthers would go 2-2 at the Region II Tournament. The Panthers took strong victories against Kimball and Jacksonville, before battling in tough loses against Texas High and Lindale. “We have so much to look forward to in the years to come. I am excited about all our returning players and so excited about the future of our program,” Coach Simonek.