By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
WILLIAMSTON — Led by state qualifiers Kate Matthews and Sara Chesson, the Williamston Tigers are headed into the semifinals of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A Dual Team Tennis tournament.
The Tigers (15-5), the Four Rivers Conference champions, posted a 5-1 win over the Dixon Bulldogs (10-3), the Coastal Plains Conference champions, in Tuesday’s third round at the West End Tennis Courts.
“We expected it to be a tough match,” said No. 1 singles player Kate Matthews, who cruised to a 6-1, 6-4 win over Chelsea Winstead. “We got really prepared for that. We’ve been practicing hard and got down to business.”
While the final result looks like the Tigers dominated, Williamston co-coach Matt Matthews, the father of Kate Matthews, said it was a competitive match.
“Even though the score says it was 5-1, it was a lot closer,” he said. “There were a lot of good points. Both teams played well. We just happened to win the important points in the games.
“Dixon is a good team. We had seen their girls at the individual championships last week, and we knew they were going to be tough.”
This is the first time in school history the Tigers have advanced as far as the semifinals in girls dual team play. (The boys team advanced to the semifinals twice).
“This feels great,” coach Matthews said. “All of the hard work in the summer and year-round, it’s paying off. It’s just wonderful to see them play this well. I’m really happy for them.”
Williamston will face either unbeaten and top-ranked N.C. Science of School and Mathematics (16-0), the Carolina 9 Conference champions, or Ayden-Grifton (8-4), the Carolina Conference champions, in Thursday’s semifinals.
What will it take to reach Saturday’s championship match in Burlington?
“I think the key is the mental part,” said Chesson, Williamston’s No. 2 singles player who coasted to a 6-4, 6-1 win over Tabitha Bailey. “I think we have the shots and the determination. It’s just going to take focus.”
Williamston’s No. 3 singles player, Karson Edwards, used a wicked left hand to knock off Brook Lewis, 6-2, 6-2.
Kellen Edwards also won in straight sets at No. 5 singles, posting a 6-3, 6-0 nod over Ryan Skinner.
Brittany Keener, the Tigers’ No. 6 player, had the easiest time with a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Nikki Quick.
Julia Taylor earned Dixon’s lone win. Taylor held off Samantha Jones at No. 4 singles, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 (10-5).
The duo of Matthews-Chesson was leading Winstead-Bailey 4-3 at No. 1 doubles when the match was halted after the Tigers secured the victory.
Coach Matthews, who is joined as co-coach by Tom Ward, enjoyed the fan support.
“We appreciate all the people that supported us today,” coach Matthews said. “That was a great crowd.”
NCHSAA Class 1-A
Dual Team Tournament
Third Round
Williamston 5, Dixon 1
Kate Matthews (W) d. Chelsea Winstead 6-1, 6-4, Sara Chesson (W) d. Tabitha Bailey 6-4, 6-1, Karson Edwards (W) d. Brook Lewis 6-2, 6-2, Julia Taylor (D) d. Samantha Jones 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 (10-5), Kellen Edwards (W) d. Ryan Skinner 6-3, 6-0, Brittany Keener (W) d. Nikki Quick 6-1, 6-0.