The high school state tennis tournaments begin Monday with Parkers Chapel and Smackover scheduled to compete. Parkers Chapel will defend its 2A boys and girls state titles at Creekmore Tennis Center in Fort Smith. Smackover will play in the 3A State Tournament at Conway Tennis Center.
First-year coach Julie Battisto believes Parkers Chapel could remain in contention despite graduating the heart of both championship teams from a year ago.
“Both the girls and boys teams have the potential to win state,” she said. “It’s all about their focus and tenacity at this point.”
Tatum Watson and Eva Goodwin will represent the Lady Trojans in singles. Watson will face Life Way Christian’s Kenzie Gordon in the first round. Goodwin will meet Viola’s Piper Swindle.
In doubles, PC’s Lexi Morgan and Tessa Tanner and Zo Pumphrey and Krista Rivers will play teams from Riverside.
Watson won the singles title at the district tournament. Goodwin upset Gurdon’s Karly Reece in the tournament.
“Both of my girls doubles teams have tremendous talent. But all four girls are in their first ever season of tennis,” said Battisto. “Both of them can stay alive for day two. It will be up to them to push their way to the top of the pile. I’m excited to watch them prove themselves on the court.”
In boys, the Trojans qualified both doubles teams. Jordis Battisto and Jack Battisto will play Riverside in the first round. Ayden Rainwater and Brayden Latino will face Tuckerman.
“I have two tremendously talented doubles teams on the boys side. If they play against all opponents as ferociously as they play against each other, the only people who can get in their way is them,” said Coach Battisto. “They train hard and play hard. I believe they are talented enough to see them playing each other at the end of day two.
“We are ready and we are going to bring everything we have to the court and no matter the outcome, I would happily replay this entire season. This is a real special group for me to have as my first team.”
Smackover’s Parker Evans will compete in boys singles after going undefeated, 16-0, through the regular season. The district champion will play Henry Morrison of Subiaco Academy in the first round.
In 3A girls, the Lady Bucks’ Taylor Darden will face Booneville’s Angie Brown in singles with Gracie James taking on Autumn Nguyen of Thaden School (Bentonville). In doubles, Smackover’s Ava Walker and Alyssa Hubbard will open against a team from Haas Hall Academy.