Marion girls repeat as Class 2 state tennis champs

With two-time defending VHSL Class 2 singles champion Parker White setting the pace, the Marion Scarlet Hurricanes won the VHSL Class 2 girls team title Thursday at Liberty University with a 5-1 decision against Region 2B champion Central Woodstock.

“That was big,” said White, a junior “I didn’t think we were going to be able to clinch it in singles, but we got the job done.’

Marion (20-2) is the first girls tennis team from far Southwest Virginia to win consecutive state crowns since Gate City captured three in a row from 2014-2016.

“I love it,” White said.

The top four players returned from last year’s Marion squad, which claimed the state title on the Virginia Tech courts.

“This is an incredible feeling,” third-year Marion coach Doug Grubb said. “I thought we had a good shot last year, and the girls pulled it out. This year created a little more nerves, but I had confidence in my team.

“A key for us in our family atmosphere and team chemistry. That goes a long way.”

There are now three signs in Marion honoring the achievements in girls tennis along with the 2016 state title in volleyball.

The smooth White won her singles match Thursday in 6-0, 6-1 fashion. Sophomore Ava Austin (6-3, 6-0), junior Maddie Austin (6-1, 6-1), junior Bailey Russell (2-6, 6-4, 11-9) and freshman Hope Robinson (6-3, 6-1) followed with wins.

Raegan Burchett, the lone senior on the team, was unable to play due to an injury suffered during soccer season. Freshman Olivia Blevins replaced Burchett at the No. 5 speed Thursday.

“The match was very nerve-wracking with different courts and a different team, but the experience of winning last year kind of put us at ease,” Ava Austin said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

The fun was compounded for Marion in doubles as White and Maddie Austin posted a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Mallory Hutton and Peyton DiNardo from Central Woodstock.

Southwest Virginia fans had more reason to cheer in Class 2 boys doubles as sophomores Jack Clem and Cooper Hurst from Richlands rolled to a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Preston Bernier and Jack Westbook from Clarke County in Region B.

Clem posted a perfect record last season as a freshman en route to the state singles crown. Hurst supplies hustle and accurate volleys, while the 6-foot-2 Clem hits with power and poise.

“I started playing tennis with my father since basically I could walk and I’ve worked hard at the game, so this is kind of like a reward,” Clem said. “I’ve really focused on my consistency since last year, and I think I’m a way better player all-around.

“Players kind of abused my serve last year, and I’ve been able to turn that into a weapon.”

Shane Clem, Jack’s father, was a tennis star at Richlands and almost qualified for the state tournament.

“Dad and I still play almost every day at Rec Park in Richlands,” said Jack, who has also worked with Bristol teaching pro David Poole. “I like to enjoy the entire experience of playing at state, and Cooper is kind of like the glue guy who keeps me calm during matches.”

What sort of work ethic does Hurst have? Consider that he balances six sports for the Blue Tornado.

“I’ve had a lot of conflicts between soccer and tennis, and I actually had to miss a regional soccer match this season,” Hurst said. “I try to bring a lot of energy to the tennis court. Jack is an all-around great player and we get along together great.”

In Class 1 team play Thursday, the Region C champion George Wythe Maroons fell 5-0 to unbeaten Region A titlist Rappahannock. That was the same squad that edged GW 5-3 in last year’s marathon title match.

“Last year was the first time any girls or tennis team from George Wythe made the state finals and we had had another great run this year,” GW assistant coach Chuck Johnson said.

GW posted a 14-2 record despite the graduation of two-time state singles champion Maggie Minton and four other seniors. The Maroons had no seniors and four sophomores in their lineup this season.

“Our one returning player (Payton Rigney) had shoulder surgery and was unable to play all season, so we lost our whole team,” Johnson said. “We’re very proud of the girls for reaching the finals again.”

Rigney signed to play tennis at Roanoke College.

Due to an intense rain shower which delayed the completion of the team finals, Thursday’s doubles semifinals were delayed by three hours.

The Class 1 girls doubles semifinal matches extended past 7 p.m.

Juniors Emerson Hardin and Angela Myers from George Wythe dropped a 6-3, 1-6, 10-8 decision to Laney Williams and Maggie Wonderling from Rappahannock.

The Region D pairing of Eden Shortt and Madison Sergent from John I. Burton fell 6-6 (7-2), 6-6 (7-4) to Alex DiGrassie and Taylor Hassett from Buffalo Gap.

Today’s schedule at Liberty will feature the doubles finals at 1 after the singles semifinals at 10.

White will face Addyson Mooney of Fort Defiance, while Clem will take on Bernier. Grayson Woodall from Abingdon and Addy Bays from Twin Springs will also be in action.

What is the strategy for White this weekend in singles?

“To play every point like it’s my last,” White said. “My game has improved from in terms of just leveling out instead of having weaknesses and strengths.

“Winning three titles is a big dream, but just winning two titles and having back-back titles as a team is enough for me.”