Double vision

The WCHS girls tennis team made a statement at the District 9-AA Tournament on Thursday in Shelbyville, sweeping the doubles competition and bringing home a district championship in dominant fashion.

In an all-Warren County final, the No. 1 duo of Izzy Pitts and Abby Graves defeated teammates Natalie Payne and Anna Graves to claim the doubles title, capping off a strong run through a competitive bracket. 

With both teams reaching the championship match, the Lady Pioneers secured the top two spots and advanced both pairings to the Region 5-AA Tournament. All four players were also recognized for their performances by earning All-District honors.

Pitts and Abby Graves showcased consistency and control throughout the tournament. They opened with an 8-5 win over Lincoln County’s top team of Aubree Howell and Saylor Hancock, then cruised past Lincoln County’s No. 2 duo of Hadley Hardin and Ellie Davis 8-1 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they continued their strong play with a win over Tullahoma’s Adyson Orr and Wen Ni Lin to punch their ticket to the finals.

On the other side of the bracket, Payne and Anna Graves navigated a series of tight matches to reach the championship. They edged Tullahoma’s Jacy Kate Murray and Leah Fogerty in a 9-8 thriller in the opening round, then followed with another 9-8 victory over Franklin County’s Mary Elizabeth Orr and Eden Kilgore in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they took down Shelbyville’s top duo of Jackie Juarez and Evony Smith to set up the all-Lady Pioneer final.

“I’m really proud of the girls, we had some tough draws all around from the beginning,” Lady Pioneer coach Hannah Belew said. “Our doubles fought through some pressure and persevered, which landed both of our duos playing for the championship.”

Belew also noted the unique dynamic of having teammates face off for a district title.

“I don’t feel like it’s common if you have a competitive district, but it can definitely happen,” she said. “The girls practice together and hit against each other constantly, so it can be challenging since they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”

In singles play, Ashlyn Bailey picked up an opening-round win, defeating Lawrence County’s Mykah Hughes 8-3 before falling to Tullahoma’s Mae Reed in the quarterfinals. Livia Jaco competed at the No. 2 spot but was eliminated in the first round.

Warren County’s two doubles teams both advance to the Region 5-AA Championship, which will be held on Monday and Tuesday, May 4-5 at Lincoln County.