Bulldogs to play in state semifinal

State report

May 06, 2008 11:46 pm

— SYLVANIA — A berth in the Final Four hung in the balance for Thomasville’s girls tennis team Tuesday.
Sarah Hardy erased any doubt.
Hardy clinched the Bulldogs’ berth in the Class AA semfinals with a 6-1, 6-3 victory against Screven County’s Katheryn Wells, giving Thomasville a 3-2 victory.
“It was about what I thought it was going to end up being,” said Thomasville coach Phil Slaughter, whose team plays defending champion Walker on Friday at Clayton County International Park. “It all came down to No. 3 singles.”
After Thomasville had won the No. 1 and No. 2 singles matches, and Screven County swept the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles matches, the weight of Thomasville’s season laid on the senior’s shoulders.
“I tried not to really think about it because I then would get too stressed out,” Hardy said. “It was still pretty intense.”
Adding to the drama was the longevity of the match, which started at 1 p.m. and didn’t conclude until well after 3 p.m.
“They were all long points,” Hardy said. “It took a long time.
“It was pretty hard, especially because it was really hot. There’s no trees around here so there’s no shade. It was really an intense, hard match.”
Thomasville’s No. 3 singles match was not the only singles match filled with drama. In No. 1 singles, Katie Gee knocked off Kate Blackburn 6-3, 6-0.
“She looked like she was not in it at first,” Slaughter said about the sophomore. “Right before the first set was over, she called for me and asked me to check the height of the net. Sometimes, one little thing can throw you off.
“After that, she took the next seven games and won the second set 6-0.”
The net had to be lowered just a little, proving to be a psychological advantage for Katie.
“It was a little high,” Katie said. “I used that as a time to have (coach Slaughter) come on the court and I could recollect my thoughts. After that, I started playing a lot better.”
Katie’s sister, Kristen, was the first one off the court after disposing of Evan Sheppard 6-3, 6-1 in No. 2 singles.
Slaughter knew coming into Tuesday’s match that Screven County was strong in doubles play. The Gamecocks did not disappoint.
Thomasville’s Sarah Rice and Rachel McElreath lost in No. 1 doubles, 4-6, 4-6, to Carter Mills and Missy Zeagler.
“They were incredible doubles players,” Slaughter added. “They were the best we’ve seen all year long.
“Both Sarah Rice and Rachel McElreath gave it their all.”
In No. 2 doubles, Thomasville’s Laura Lilly and Kate Jones fell to Kelsey Forehand and Sydney Weaver 2-6, 2-6.
“It just seemed to not be our day in doubles,” Slaughter added.
But it was Thomasville’s day in the playoffs, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1998.
“Right now, I feel like I can carry the bus home on my back,” Slaughter said. “It’s just that good of a feeling. I’m just very excited.”
Said Hardy: “It’s really cool, and I’m just really excited and really relieved.”
Walker defeated Greater Atlanta Christian 3-2 in its third-round match. Walker has won three state titles in the past five years, but have yet to win back-to-back. That’s motivation enough for the Wolverines.
“We’ve got a lot of motivation (too),” Slaughter said. “We’re there, and we want to make a good showing.”
Friday’s match begins at 9 a.m. If Thomasville wins, it’ll play in the championship match later that day.