On Saturday, October 18^th the RMA girls’ varsity tennis team competed in the first round of the state tournament against Carolina Day School of Asheville. The girls were looking for a chance to continue their state tournament run from last year where they lost a heartbreaking match in 2013 at Greensboro against Caldwell Academy with a score of 4-5. RMA, 7^th seed in this year’s tournament, was able to clench home court advantage over the 10^th seed Carolina Day. RMA played hard throughout the nearly four hour match, but came up short and lost 2-7.

State tournament rules required the match to begin with doubles, whereas in the regular season singles is normally first. RMA lost two close doubles courts, with the infamous junior-senior duo composed of Elizabeth Gay and Sabrina Morison won their match 8-4. Elizabeth and Sabrina have worked seamlessly together all season; Elizabeth’s power at the baseline and Sabrina’s quick actions at the net make it difficult for their opponents to win points. With only one win in doubles, RMA knew that four singles courts was the only way to win the match. Despite their efforts, only 8^th grader Haven Ross came out with a win on the singles court. At 3^rd seed Haven has a tricky serve and dominant angle shots that keep her challenger running from one end of the court to another. Throughout the season Haven proved that age does not define talent; as most of the people she has played this season have been older than her. The first round loss was a tough one for the Lady Eagles, as it ended their season. “I feel as though this match just didn’t really showcase our true talent. But next year we are coming back hot so we can advance even farther in the tournament” said 2^nd seed Samantha Sconyers when asked about this particular match. Even though the girls’ tournament run came to an end last week, their season has been impressive to say the least. The girls went 12-4 in the regular season and placed second in conference behind Kerr Vance Academy. However, the RMA girls had the best record in the conference with significant victories against Cary Christian 5-4 and cross town rival Faith Christian 7-2 and 9-0. As a testament to their notable record, 1^st seed Julia High was named both conference player of the year and all-conference. Joining her on the all-conference team is 2^nd seed Samantha Sconyers.  Haven Ross was named all-conference honorable mention.

What might be the most impressive aspect of this team is it seems as though they are only getting better. While they are losing a key senior, Sabrina Morrison, the other six players will be returning for the 2015 season. The girls have plans to continue unofficial practices through the off season as well as improving on their individual game. When asked to summarize the season Elizabeth Gay said, “This season was a lot of fun and we had a lot of good times together. Not only was Mrs. High a great coach, but she made the season fun and helped us improve. I have never felt so unified with any other team in my tennis career.”