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Clark sisters earn Region champion in girls tennis doubles Melodie Phelps News Editor The Wayne County tennis program may be young, but it has already started a tradition to build from. On Sunday, Wayne County earned the 12th Region championship in girls doubles, behind the competitive play of sisters Ceysha and Casi Clark. The Clarks entered the regional tournament on Friday ranked third among the 30-team field. But by Sunday, they had beaten the best, taking out the second-ranked Mercer County duo in the semifinals and top-ranked Casey County in the championship. "We're elated about this...being able to do this in the second year of the program," said assistant coach Hardin Phillips. Wayne County had two teams in regional competition, which was mainly held at Berea College. Rain caused the final round of the tournament to be moved inside at Eastern Kentucky University. Cardinal tennis players Ashley Troxell and Charlotte Shelton were slated to play Southwestern in the first round, but Southwestern forfeited. Troxell and Shelton then advanced on to play the Harrodsburg duo, that was ranked eighth in the tournament, and lost 6-1 and 6-2. The Clark sisters defeated Somerset 6-2 and 6-0 in their opening round. They played Casey County's second team in the tournament and defeated them 6-2 and 6-4. A win over Lincoln County, 6-2 and 6-4, saw the two Cardinal players advance into the semifinals against Mercer County, where they faced some of the toughest competition yet in the regional tournament. They beat Mercer County 6-2 and 6-3 and set up a championship round with Casey County's duo of Sheene and Coffey. The Clark duo won 7-5 then lost 6-7. They took the championship with a 6-3 win. Phillips credited the sisters' hard work and dedication to the game with their success. Over the summer, he said Ceysha, who is a sophomore, and Casi, who is a seventh grader, spent three or four days a week honing their skills at the park. "It takes that kind of time and dedication to do that," stated Phillips. He also credited the support of their parents, Jeff and Kalissa Clark. The Wayne County tennis team is coached by Steven Thompson. The Clarks will now advance to state competition, which will begin May 25 and will be played in Lexington. Details about their opponents will be determined next week, after the boys regional tennis tournament is completed. That is slated for this weekend at Berea College. Add a comment |
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