CHATTANOOGA — For the second consecutive year Walker Valley tennis teams can lay claim to individual District 5 Individual Championships.
Repeating the same feet in 2023, the duo of Jose Guerrero and Ensley Collins once again etched their names on the district trophies. Both seniors earned a berth and the top seed in the upcoming Region 3 tournament.
The Lady Mustangs had a host of winners throughout the district event as Ava Graham advanced to the semifinals in singles, while partners Caileigh Collins and Ella Klepzig joined with Libby Dunkle and Mary Beasley to win matches before both teams were eliminated from the tournament.
Ensley Collins, who entered the tournament as the top-seed and defending singles champion, won all three matches without dropping a game to hoist the trophy for her team for the second consecutive year.
“I really love tournament time, playing full sets, and the warm weather, it just feels like tennis season.” the elder Collins shared.
“I was happy to play well for our team and get to cheer them on during these matches. I’m looking forward to the team region and individual region.”
Collins’ run included wins over Rhea County’s Michelle Castillo, Cleveland’s Maggie Conroy and McMinn County’s Hannah Davis.
Guerrero’s path to a district title came at a more strenuous pace as the swift-footed senior battled the heat and Bradley Central’s Britton Carter to earn the repeat title.
The defending doubles district champion had to earn a hard fought solo victory this year.
“The heat was tough and Britton made it that much worse. He played great and it was a lot of fun to compete against him here,” stated Guerreo.
Coming in as the two-seed behind Carter, Guerrero made quick work of his quarterfinal and semifinal matches, earning wins over Preet Patel from Rhea County and Parker White from Bradley Central before setting up an epic championship match.
The title match was an ebb and flow of momentum between the two top seeds. Racing out to a 4-1 lead, Guerrero had to hang on to close out the first set in a tiebreak, 7-6.
Seizing on the comeback momentum, Carter jumped out to his own 4-1 lead in the second and held on for a 6-4 win to even the match.
After the second set break, Guerrero, sensing an opportunity, seized the moment and raced to a 6-1 clincher.
“Both kids played their guts out.” stated first-year Mustang Coach Eddie Coates, a two-time Bradley state champion. “Such a fun tournament match. Was great to see Jose really lock in and gut it out when he had to.”
Guerrero’s teammate, Noah Ufer had an excellent tournament before falling in the semis, while doubles pairs Cash Coates and Mitch Brown, along with Turner Clayton and Sam Taylor also notched tournament wins.
Carter and Guerrero will join their female counterparts — Collins and Davis — in the Region 3 tournament next Monday with only the winner advancing the to TSSAA Spring Fling.
Also advancing in doubles, Bradley senior Preston Henderson and junior Hunter Fields captured the championship, defeating Cleveland senior Arjun and junior Alahk Patel for the crown.
In the girls' doubles, Lady Raider seniors Lauren Pitts and Addison Brock downed McMinn County seniors Katie Elliot and Aubrey Gonzalez for the title to earn a spot in the region.
For Walker Valley, both teams still have their eye on a team Region Championship, where they will compete at the home of the District 6 champions.
“It’s really about the team and working hard to be in position to get one more win each match out.” shared Ensley Collins on her team’s matchup with Soddy-Daisy.
“Both teams are in a good spot, it’s just a matter of finding a way to win the big points.” Coates shared.
The Lady ‘Stangs will travel to Soddy-Daisy Thursday, while the Mustangs venture to East Hamilton on Friday for team competition.
