Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

It was another successful weekend for Bearcat Tennis as they competed in the Wildcat Invitational as both boys and girls saw top three finishes as the boys team took home second place and the girls team took home third place. With a thrilling comeback victory in the Wildcat Invitational, the Bearcats remain one of the toughest teams in their Region and are one step closer in reaching their goal of a Region Championship.

For the boys team, Cullen Glover saw a strong bounce back after match one to have a stellar performance in match two. Thomas Shockley also mounted a comeback victory in match two, and Tucker Surratt also had a strong performance in match three.

For the girls team, Gibbs Palmer pulled out a nail-biting 3-2 victory for the Lady Cats in match one, and Abigail Trammell had a strong performance all day. The consistency and ability to bounce back by the Bearcats on Saturday has been a result of the work the players put in, even outside of practice on their own time.

“Our players have put in a lot of work outside of practice,” said Coach Xavier Bell. “Many of them get together on the weekends and work on the things that they know will make them better. We certainly saw that work pay off this weekend.”

Something that Coach Bell specifically pointed to was the Bearcats ability to bounce back after tough matches and overcome adversity to come from behind and win. The support each player shows each other makes comeback wins like Saturday, a mission far from impossible.

“What has been most impressive to me is the players’ will to continue to fight and work to overcome difficult situations,” said Bell. “Their work ethic and support for each other has been a huge part in their consistency this season.”

The progress that the Bearcat Tennis program has made in 2023 has been especially impressive, considering the 2022 Wildcat Invitational the Bearcats did not place, whereas this year both teams saw a top five finish.

Coach Bell and his players know that if they remain consistent, they are poised for a postseason push. The Bearcats are back in action this weekend as they will travel to Lowndes to compete in the Viking Invitational.