CHARLESTON — In recent years, Morgantown High’s Bella Mascari and Mackenzie Sorton have established themselves as a top-tier duo on the tennis court. The pair have partnered together for years. Last season, they saw that hard work pay off with a Class AAA No. 2 doubles championship.
This year, they returned as a team on a quest to defend their crown in their senior season, and find themselves one step away after advancing to the state final Thursday. After the dust settled, however, they also found themselves advancing to championship matches in singles play — Mascari in the No. 4 bracket and Sorton in No. 3 bracket.
Sorton has seen success in singles play before, earning the No. 4 singles state championship in 2018, but has continued to be a force as she moved up in competition level. For Mascari, its her first year in singles action — and it’s certainly been one to remember.
“It’s really fun to watch. Mackenzie has been a good singles player for awhile, but Bella has showed she’s really ready this year. I hope she gets the championship tomorrow,” MHS coach Ted Greenlee said.
Sorton’s win in singles action and the pair’s doubles victory both came over Cabell Midland. The extra points for the Mohigans kept them in the race with the Knights for the Class AAA girls’ team championship heading into the final day of action. After a semifinal loss from Emme McKnight in No. 1 singles play, the points were essential for Morgantown.
“After Emme lost, we needed every single match, and so far we’ve done that. It’s huge for this team and shows what kind of intestinal fortitude they have. They’ve played great tennis all day long,” he said.
“If we win all the finals, I think we can get the title, but we have to win them all.”
McKnight and Cat Wassick also advanced in No. 1 doubles action for the Mohigans.
