The tennis team closed out their season at the regional tournament yesterday and Wednesday of this week. 

“Making it to the regional tournament was a huge deal because it was a reward for all of my hard-work in tennis,” senior Taryn Sutherlin said. “Going into regionals, I was really nervous but also very hopeful.”

Senior Kelly Zhang advanced to the regional tournament in singles, Sutherlin and freshman Sara Omobogie advanced in doubles, and sophomore Seth Henegar and freshman Madeline Smith advanced in mixed doubles.

“To even get to regionals, we had to win districts which was a challenge in itself because we had to beat three teams just to make it to the finals,” Sara Omobogie. “[Advancing to regionals] was a really big honor especially as a freshman.”

Omobogie and Sutherlin lost in the first round to Highland Park. Zhang lost in her second round, and Henegar and Smith advanced to the semi finals, but lost in a match for third place.

“At the regional tournament there were challenges for me because I was stressed since it was possibly my last match ever,” Sutherlin said. “The end of the season was really hard for me. Overall, I am really grateful for the opportunities I have been provided through the tennis program.”

Sutherlin and Zhang finished their high school tennis careers after regionals with a district champion title. The team also has two freshmen and one sophomore who were district champions.

“It means a lot to me to make the regional tournament because I know other well deserving seniors unfortunately didn’t qualify,” Zhang said. “I’m very proud of my successes this season as well as fall season because I wanted to set a good example for underclassmen as a senior.”

After district championships in three events, the team will begin to prepare for next season with their focus being on team unity and bonding. 

“We all excelled in districts,” Omobogie said. “ I think we all as a team should be proud of what we have accomplished because in our team season we won districts, and we also had multiple events make it to regionals and we worked really hard to achieve those things.”