The hard work and dedication are paying off for Chapel Hill High School’s girls tennis team.
Led by a crop of junior singles players, the Lady Panthers have made it to the state playoffs in three-straight seasons and earlier this week got to host a state playoff match for the first time in Carrie Gable’s seven years as coach.
“It was a big deal for them,” said Gable, whose team finished second in the region and hosted Flowery Branch on Tuesday in the first round of state action.
Madison Andrews at No. 1 singles and Lailah Rahman at No. 2 singles both won their playoff matches.
“They are both extremely competitive players and honestly they are neck-and-neck,” Gable said. “Madison is the boisterous one, she’s hitting the winners that are barely going over the net. And you have Lailah, who has a consistent stroke every single time.”
Riley Orndorff at No. 3 singles and Gabrielle Walker at No. 1 doubles are among Gable’s other junior standouts. Alexandra Telfort at No. 1 doubles is the only senior on the team. Telfort has played all four years of high school and will be missed next season.
Sophomores Natalie Turner and Caitlyn Williams at No. 2 doubles are also standouts who will be back.
“I’m hoping we can go all the way next year,” Gable said.
