Gators earn runner-up spot behind Benedictine
SAVANNAH — Ware County’s Lady Gator tennis team captured their first region title since 1992 and the Gators finished second here at the Region 1-AAAA tournament hosted by Benedictine.
The Lady Gators beat Warner Robins 3-0 in the semifinals and followed with a 3-0 victory in the finals over Perry in the Tuesday, March 24 tournament to earn a No. 1 seed in the state tournament, scheduled for an April 23 start against the Region 8 fourth seed.
The Lady Gators starting seven include Bailey Denton at No. 1 singles, Elly Blackrick at No. 2, and Paislee Wildes at No. 3.
The No. 1 doubles team is made up of Kayleigh LeMay and Gracie Vickers, with the No. 2 tandem consisting of Addie Bishop and Ella Beth Cox.
The other three members are Callie Lewis, Izzy Tatum and Millee Denton.
The Gators earned their region championship bid, beating Perry 3-0 in the semifinals with JV Manabat, Miles Smith and Bridge Little winning in singles action.
The No. 1 team of Landon Lingenfelter and Cash Carter No. 2 team of Eli Cook and Ashton Stormant were pulled from the court after the match was secured.
Ware County fell to No. 1 seed Benedictine 3-0 in the championship match. The Gators will host the Region 8 third seed in the first round of the state tournament April 23.
Ware County swept visiting Fitzgerald Thursday, March 26 on Senior Night. The Lady Gators posted a 5-0 victory, while the Gators notched a 4-1 decision.
Denton, Blackrick and Wildes each won in straight sets in singles matches. LeMay, a senior, and Vickers also won in straight sets at the No. 1 spot. Lewis and Tatum prevailed at No. 2 doubles.
The Gators won two of the three singles matches with Manabat and Smith posting victories.
Ware County swept the doubles with the No. 1 team of Lingenfelter and Carter, and the No. 2 tandem of Cook and Stormant each winning in straight sets.
Ware County traveled Tuesday (March 31) to play Glynn Academy.
