MORGANTOWN — It was a dominant opening performance for the University boys’ and Morgantown girls’ tennis teams at the state tournament in Kanawha City.
All four singles teams for the Hawks advanced to the semifinals, led by No. 1 Kyle Hawthorne, who defeated Musselman’s Lane Burner (8-1) and Hurricane’s AJ Noel (9-7).
No. 2 Andre Barcinas had a bye in the first round and beat Huntington’s Luke Lovejoy 9-7 (8-6 tiebreaker). Barcinas was down 7-4 at one point but rallied to earn the win.
In doubles play, No. 1 of Hawthorne and Barcinas beat Washington’s Michael Barr and Samuel Dyck.
No. 4 singles Jameson Walters and No. 2 doubles McClellan/Walters earned byes and will compete for the first time Friday.
“The team overall came to play today,” UHS coach Tom McClellan said. “All players encountered struggles during their matches yet adjusted to their opponent to overcome. All of our players were down at one point but rallied to victory. I was also so amazed at the sportsmanship and camaraderie amongst the teams. It was wonderful to see.”
For the MHS girls, No. 1 singles Emme McKnight won both of her matches to advance to the semifinals, first beating Hedgesville’s Peyton Ruest 8-2 and George Washington’s Nikita Patel 8-2. No. 3 singles Mackenzie Sorton beat Jefferson’s Kalin Gregg 8-0.
The lone loss for the Mohigans was No. 2 singles Cat Wassick, who had a first round bye, but fell to George Washington’s Nupur Bendre 8-4 in the quarterfinals.
No. 4 singles Bella Mascari, No. 1 doubles McKnight and Wassick, and No. 2 doubles Sorton and Mascari will play for the first time Friday.
For the MHS boys, No. 1 singles Ben Rosiello beat Hedgesville’s Max Rosario 8-4 to start, but lost to George Washington’s Anthony McIntosh 8-2 in the quarterfinals. No. 1 doubles Rosiello and Hamilton Hall had a first round bye and will play Friday.
UHS girls No. 3 singles Deah Gharib beat Washington’s Holly Goben. No. 2 doubles Grace Valenzuela and Taylor Dalton will open play Friday.
