Monday afternoon the Bearcats and Lady Cats tennis team faced off against Wayne County in the sweet sixteen. The matches ended in a split, with the Lady Cats dominating 5-0, and the Bearcats ending their run after coming up just short.

Number one singles, Sydnee Burke started the day off with a win of 6-1, 6-0. Number two singles, Mikey Harrell followed her up with a win of her own 6-2, 6-0. Number three singles, Gracie Surratt didn’t give up a single point and won 6-0, 6-0.

After seeing their teammates win, doubles were determined to make a full sweep. Number one doubles, Bree Powell and Jade Stacey won 6-1, 6-1 and number two doubles, Sarah Caroline Darley and Anna Marie Hall won 6-3, 6-1.

With this win, the Lady Cats will compete against the winner of Clarke Central and Riverwood.  The team has never played either of the competitors, but is ready for the competition.

“I’m excited to see us make it to the Elite Eight and I’m hoping for a win,” Gracie Surratt said.

Surratt’s mom chimed in that the team is “all gas, no breaks and they are rolling to state.”

Coach Amy Thomas was proud of the girls.

“Our girls just really stepped up, and I hope they can keep up the momentum going into this next round,” Thomas said. “I look for every team to be good at this point.”

The Bearcats ended their season on Monday night, but were proud to gain a region championship.

Number two singles, Cole Buchanan lost 4-6, 1-6 to competitor, Austin Brown. Number three singles, Austin Aldridge lost 2-6, 2-6 to opponent, Barrett Miller.

Number one doubles, Lawson Humphrey and Brent Miller lost in close competition to competitors Olin Oliver and Dawson Daniels 3-6, 3-6. Number two doubles, Ben and Brad Mitchell lost to Griffin Surrency and Jordan Boulineau 3-6, 4-6.

Ben was not disappointed in his team though.

“I’m proud we made it to region,” he said. “Wayne County was good, but we could’ve done better. Today was just their day and it wasn’t ours.”

Despite the loss, Thomas also was very proud of her boys.

“Wayne County is a scrappy team,” she said. “They have a lot of seniors and I thought it would be comparable talent to ours, it would all just come down to who played best today.”

Thomas admitted they could’ve had a little bit better showing, but she said the team put it all out there and their opponents just outplayed them.

Assistant coach, Xavier Bell said the guys had a great season and he is proud of their region championship and them making it this far.

Both coaches will continue to build on the success of this year to make next year stronger and support the Lady Cats as they head into the Elite Eight.