Over 100 junior varsity tennis players and coaches from South Carolina schools will gather for the inaugural Junior Varsity Invitational, presented by the U.S. Tennis Association of South Carolina in conjunction with the South Carolina High School League.  

     The tennis event will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center. The field, comprised of public and private schools, includes two teams from sponsor school A.C. Flora; two teams from Bishop England; and teams from Dutch Fork, Lexington, River Bluff, Spartanburg, Southside Christian and Wando.
“USTA South Carolina saw the need for more play opportunities for junior tennis players throughout the state,” said Rashawn Nelson, Tournament Director and USTA S.C. Team Tennis Manager. “This invitational gives junior varsity tennis players the chance to represent their school while playing against competition from around the state, and the chance to earn state-wide bragging rights. The hope is that it will bring even more junior players into the Junior Team Tennis program, which offers continued play opportunities during the off-season.
     “The junior market is important to us as we grow tennis throughout the state,” Nelson continued. “Previously, there has been no official, end-of-season event for South Carolina junior varsity tennis players. We are thrilled to offer this event in partnership with the South Carolina High School League.”
     Two five-team divisions will play a round robin within their respective flight, and the division winners will play for the championship title. A sportsmanship award also will be given to players demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship on and off the court.

Monday’s score

Pelion 3, Wagener-Salley 0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-22)

It was “Senior Night” where Kimmie Lawrie, Monea Goodson, Emily Dorroh, Madison Nicholson and McKenna Smith were recognized and finished the last of 3 sets all on the court in their last home match.

The Lady Panthers will play Strom Thurmond on the road Wednesday night.

Tuesday’s scores

Lexington 3, Chapin 0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-20)

The Wildcats improved to 29-7 overall, 6-0 in Region 5-5A on Tuesday.

Senior outside hitter Maggie Salley with 15 kills in only 2 sets.  Rae Stackley had 10 kills and a solo block and senior Hannah Hammett had 2 kills.

Lexington travels to archrival River Bluff at 7 p.m. Wednesday in a rematch for first place in the region.

River Bluff 3, White Knoll 0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-13)

Seniors Laura Hope, Chloe' Neeley, Caroline Pender, Katie Ullsperger, Chloe Strehlow and Grace Ann Simpson were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the River Bluff program.

River Bluff improved to 6-1 in Region 5-5A. The Lady Gators play host Wednesday to Lexington, the lone team to defeat them in region play.

TENNIS

Lexington 4  Chapin 2

SINGLES

Becca Bryan (L) d. Morgan Grooms (C) 4-6, 6-3, 10-4

Emmie Thompson (L) d. Sidney Smith (C) 7-6 (13-11), 7-5

Gracie Culley (C) d. Reet Verma 7-5, 3-6, 10-6

Caroline Goodman (L) d. McCuen Bland (C) 6-0, 6-2

Emma Whetsell (L) d.Sara Kate Blacock (C) 6-2, 6-4.

DOUBLES

Kristen Koon & Mabel DeRusha (C) d. Rohita Patil & Emma Taylor (L) 6-2, 6-3.

River Bluff 6, White Knoll 0

The defending Class 5A girls’ tennis champions clinched their third straight region title and second in Region 5-5A.

The Lady Gators improved to 12-2 overall, 7-0 in the region.