Competitive early schedule toughens up Starkville High
Coach Anna Albritton hopes a tough early schedule helps her Starkville High School tennis team down the stretch of the season.
After competing against teams like Tupelo, Hillcrest Christian of Alabama and Heritage Academy of Columbus, Albritton likes where her squad stands as the Yellowjackets enter the meat of their Class 6A, Region 3 schedule.
Starkville has already lost to division opponent Madison Central, but Albritton was still proud of the effort.
“I think we’re all kind of coming together,” Albritton said. “Everything is rocking and rolling just before we get into a lot of the district play and the district tournament.”
On Friday afternoon, the Jackets took on cross-town opponent Starkville Academy and swept the match 5-0.
Cam Smith won in boys singles 6-0, 6-3, while Angel Tate claimed a 6-2, 6-0 victory in girls singles. In boys doubles, Wesley Albritton and Lucas Elder won 6-0, 6-1 in the No. 1 position and Nick Hollis and Brad Curtis won 6-1, 6-0 in the No. 2 spot. Anna Taylor and Zoe Elder earned a 6-0, 6-2 victory in No. 1 girls singles, Abby Stricklin and Hansoul Park registered a 7-5, 6-1 win in No. 2 girls singles, and Harper Laird and Bryan Richey had a 6-1, 6-2 victory in mixed doubles.
Coach Albritton said the SHS veterans are providing good leadership.
“We’ve got three starters that are seniors with Wesley Albritton, Anna Hayden Taylor and Bradley Curtis,” Anna Albritton said. “They are all doing well. I’m pleased with all of them.”