Youthful Volunteers win first two matches
A young tennis team and new coach are growing together at Starkville Academy.
With two wins in three days to open the season, coach Robin Holliday has watched the Volunteers begin well. They also edged Winston Academy 5-4 on Tuesday.
“They don't give up, play back, really work hard at practice and it's paying off,” Holliday said after Thursday's 8-1 victory over Oak Hill at home.
The Vols swept competition in boys on Thursday as Spencer Markham earned a 6-1, 6-1 victory in No. 1 boys singles and Nathan Pollan benefitted from a forfeit in No. 2 boys singles.
In boys doubles, Case Hubbard and Tyler Highfield won 6-3, 6-2, while Rives Clark and Graham Stevens took their match 6-0, 6-0.
It was a sweep in girls singles and doubles also for Emory Stevens 6-0, 6-1, Mary Elliott Winfield 6-1, 6-0, Sarah Morgan Pellum and Lily Holliday 6-0, 6-0 and Aubrey Claire Armstrong and Mallory Barber 6-2, 6-0.
The only match that did not go Starkville Academy's way was in mixed doubles as Garner Montgomery and Lake Little lost a 0-6, 3-6 decision.
Starkville Academy held tryouts for the first year under Holliday.
That made for a smaller and younger team, but Holliday said the veterans have stepped up to provide leadership.
“I appreciate the older ones with experience,” Holliday said. “I have two seniors and they've been good leaders and team captains.”
The Vols take on cross-town opponent Starkville High School today before hosting Leake Academy and Heritage Academy next week.