All three local tennis teams – Fort Mill, Nation Ford and Catawba Ridge – had short lived stints in the 2020 playoffs with first round exits.
Each team lost in the first round with both Fort Mill and Nation Ford falling in the 5A playoffs, while Catawba Ridge fell in the 4A playoffs.
Catawba Ridge faired the best losing 4-3 to Eastside. The Copperheads had home court advantage, but was forced into a No. 1 doubles match which saw them lose in straight sets.
The Copperheads dropped matches at No. 1 and No.2 singles, but was able to bounce back and win the remaining singles matches. Clair Hivner won at No. 3 singles 2-6, 6-2, 11-9 and Aiyana Uter won at No. 4 singles 6-2, 6-4. Evangeline Kelly won at No. 5 singles 6-2, 6-2.
Eastside won at No. 2 doubles forcing a No. 1 doubles match, where Catawba Ridge fell 6-2, 6-1. They ended the season with a 10-3-1 record.
“I am happy with our season and can’t wait until next year,” said Catawba Ridge head coach Krysti Blocker.
Nation Ford also lost in the opening round despite having home court advantage falling 6-0 to Wade Hampton. Five of the six losses for the Falcons came in straight sets with only Neha Arunprakash winning a set at No. 5 singles. The Falcons finished the season at 8-2 overall.
Fort Mill, who was on the road in the first round, also lost 6-0 to Spartanburg. The Jackets finished the season 11-3-1 overall.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
