Avery relies on experience to top Polk in WHC girls tennis match

An experienced Avery County squad got the better of Polk County’s girls tennis team on Tuesday, taking a 7-2 in a Western Highlands Conference match in Newland.

Bella Marino earned a win at No. 5 singles and then teamed with Trinity Branham for a victory at No. 2 doubles to provide Polk with its two points.

“I was hoping we could make this one close, but denied again,” said Polk County head coach Richard Davis. “Avery’s team is just a little too experienced for us to deal with. Avery finished second in the conference last year behind Hendersonville and returned five of their six players.

“Our girls just need some offseason work to nail down some technique and court strategy.”

The Wolverines are slated to host Crest on Wednesday and Mountain Heritage on Thursday.

Singles
1. Savannah Church (A) d. Haven Dufford 10-6. 2. Ollianne Rainey (A) d. Rhian Alley 10-4. 3. Morgan Paris (A) d. Juniper Walter-Eger 10-3. 4. Maddison Johnson (A) d. Trinity Branham 10-2. 5. Bella Marino (PC) d. Destiny Morrison 10-4. 6. Hannah Rice (A) d. Alicia Twitty 10-0.

Doubles
1. Church/Rainey(A) d. Dufford/Alley 8-2. 2. Branham/Marino (PC) d. Paris/Kitchen 8-2. 3. Rice/Thomas(A) d. Walter-Eger/Sarah Woods 8-5