Tennessee High Viking girls and University High tennis teams depart for the state

TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) – Several sports teams from around the area have packed their bags and are making their way to vie for a state championship in tennis.

Monday morning in Bristol, the Tennessee High Vikings tennis team departed for the TSSAA Class A/AA state tournament in Chattanooga.

The team features two freshmen who will compete in doubles on Thursday and Friday, but the immediate focus is a Tuesday matchup against perennial power Brentwood.

While the Vikings are very familiar with their opponents, senior Mayleigh Stalnaker says the trip feels different this time around.

She noted that it is especially rewarding in her senior year because the team worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity. Although she traveled to the state tournament as a sophomore, she did not play, making her personally excited to finally take the court this year.

Coach Kitzmiller believes the team is ready for the challenge, suggesting that a desire for revenge might light a fire under the players. The coach noted that the teams match up nicely and expects a competitive battle that could go either way.

First serve for the Vikings is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Champions Tennis Complex.

Meanwhile, in Johnson City, the University School Bucs also held a send-off this morning for their own state tournament run. The entire student body gathered to show their support as the team departed for its third consecutive trip to the tournament.

The Bucs are set to face Murfreesboro Central, a program that has advanced to the state in each of the last two seasons.

Senior Gavin Olsen reflected on the journey, noting that his class arrived the first year the school brought back the tennis team. Having been there before, he feels the experience is special and is determined to bring home a title in his final year.

Teammate Graham Mefford added that while he usually plays individual tennis, these last few years have been rewarding because of the bond he has formed with his peers, many of whom are also graduating.