Lionettes fall in tennis championship

Cannon County’s girls tennis team finished second at the District 8-A/AA team tournament in Cookeville last week. From left, Camille Gilley, Sarah Hickman, Jordan Hollis, Katie Hickman, and Kristen McReynolds.

By TONY STINNETT/ Courier Sports Editor

COOKEVILLE - Cannon County’s girls tennis team has been a championship contender the past couple years.

In fact, if not for the addition of Central Magnet School to District 8-A/AA, the Lionettes may be back-to-back team champions.

The Lionettes put together another strong run at the tennis team championship before falling to Central Magnet, 4-0, in the team championship match at Tennessee Tech.

Cannon County had turned back Friendship Christian, 4-0, in the semifinals to earn a date in the championship round.

The Lions suffered a 4-0 setback against Livingston Academy in the boys team district semifinals.

“I am proud of the girls and boys,” CCHS tennis coach Ronny Burks said. “The players have battled and competed this season. We have been in several matches and give ourselves chances. The weather was tough this year in that it was difficult to get on the court and practice with any consistency. I am pleased with how competitive we were given that.”

The Lionettes made quick work of Friendship Christian, earning a 4-0 win at Tennessee Tech. Jordan Hollis turned back Haley Taylor, 6-4, 6-4 at No. 1 singles, and Sarah Hickman earned a 7-5, 6-2 win against Jolin Baker at No. 2 singles. Camille Gilley lost her first set to McKayla Strickland, 2-6, but came back to secure 6-2, 6-0 wins at No. 4, and Kristen McReynolds earned a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 5 singles. Katie Hickman was winning at No. 3 singles when the match was decided.

The Lionettes reached the title match but suffered a 4-0 setback to Central Magnet in the championship match.

The boys had a difficult time in a 4-0 setback against Livingston Academy, although three of the four matches went three sets. Daxton Patrick, Cole Barnes and Hunter Brown all lost closely-contested three-set matches, and Taylor Blanton lost a tough 7-5, 6-4 decision at No. 1 singles.

The Lions and Lionettes were scheduled to return to action when the District 8-A/AA individual tournament began Monday in Cookeville.

The top performers in the individual event can advance to the state tournament.