GIRLS' TENNIS: WCDS shuts out Statesville Christian

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 21, 2016 9:57 AM

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Nothing wrong with a little reverse psychology.

Especially when you're playing a team is much better than its record indicates.

That's the message Wayne Country Day head coach Blake Vail delivered Thursday afternoon before his team stepped onto the court against Statesville Christian. The eighth-seeded Lions might have been 2-11 overall, but Vail told his players to flip around the record.

His plan worked to perfection.

The top-seeded Chargers displayed a business-like attitude as they built a 3-0 lead after doubles and cruised to a 5-0, opening-round win in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A dual-team girls' tennis playoffs.

"They definitely came out here to win," WCDS junior Jennifer Potts said. "You could tell by their attitude. They never gave up and played every point until the end. The score is not indicative of this match because there were a lot of long points and games that went to deuce.

"They're definitely not a 2-11 team."

Potts and doubles mate Eliza Eagles, and the second-seeded duo of Ally Willman-Langley Barnes each prevailed 8-1 in their respective match. The third-seeded tandem of Hannah Fesler-Aimee Barnes triumphed 8-3.

The sweep provided some extra confidence, particularly for Eagles.

A returning all-state performer, Eagles -- according to Vail -- played her best match all year. She hit solid and consistent groundstrokes, served well and never wavered when she lost two games against Brooke Boan in the second set.

"I'm just getting back from my wrist being injured," Eagles said after her 6-0, 6-2 win that gave WCDS its fourth point of the match.

"I was making balls more than I usually do, making some good winners. It was a really good match."

Potts sealed the outcome with a 6-0, 6-0 decision over the Lions' Tina Perumella at No. 1 singles. The victory vaulted the Chargers (12-1 overall) into the final four for the fifth consecutive year.

"(Sweeping) doubles gave us a boost going into singles knowing that we only had to win two matches," Potts said. "It kind of settled our nerves. We went out there with more confidence."