HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS: Battle’s Lauzon Makes History, Wins State Title

RADFORD, Va. – Emerald Lauzon raced to the ball, set her feet and took a graceful swing into history.

The senior became John Battle’s first state tennis champion in Thursday’s Spring Jubilee at Radford University. Lauzon won her semifinal and final matches by 6-1, 6-1 scores en to route to the Group A singles crown.

Lauzon is Battle’s first girls individual state champion in any sport since Ashley Osborne won the 3,200 meter track and field title in 2004.

“I’ve worked so hard for this, it’s just an amazing feeling,” Lauzon said.

After working many hours to add power to her forehand, Lauzon was forced to adapt to a unique approach employed by previously unbeaten Jennifer Sing of Franklin in the finals. In fact, Sing sliced the ball on nearly every shot.

“I’d rather face someone who hits with power any day, but I’ve seen a lot of girls who play like [Sing] in USTA matches,” Lauzon said. “She was really good. I just had to adjust and stay patient.”

Lauzon cruised past Region C champion Alyssa Wingate in the semifinals, then tuned up for the championship by hitting with her older sister, Autumn, in the 90-degree heat. The older Lauzon, who recently completed her collegiate career with 45 victories at Virginia-Wise, was a standout player at Battle but failed to win a regional crown.

“I’ve always wanted to beat and be like my big sister,” said Lauzon, who made just seven unforced errors against Sing. “I’m kind of living her dream today. I know she wanted this opportunity, but she always faced good players in the regionals.

“This win is definitely for Autumn. We’ll share this medal.”

Battle’s new hero also paid credit to longtime Bristol tennis guru Jim Flannagan, who has worked with Lauzon since the eighth grade. Flannagan watched his star pupil Thursday.

“Jim makes me work,” Lauzon said. “He got me used to this heat and he has definitely tweaked my forehand.

The career resume for Lauzon includes a career record of 116-15 with four district, three regional and won state title in singles. Lauzon, who is undecided on a college, is ranked 12th in Tennessee among her age group.

Lauzon will attempt to cap her prep career in storybook style as team and individual doubles play begins today.

“It’s really cool to look back and see how far our program has come,” Lauzon said. “We were like the ‘Bad News Bears’ that first year. We’ve made so much progress.”

The unbeaten Trojans ended the reign of five-time Group A state champ Gate City this season, as Lauzon and Carly Johnson supplied the decisive point in a 5-4 victory.

“Beating Gate City was such a relief, it felt like we won state that day,” Lauzon said. “Our program really is a success story because not many of our girls have taken lessons or anything like that.”

That success story now has a new and captivating chapter.

GROUP A BOYS

Gate City junior Chad Sheppard attacked and hustled in his semifinal match against six-foot Radford junior Malik Mubeen. It still wasn’t enough, as Sheppard dropped a 6-1, 6-1 decision.

“I always try to be aggressive,” Sheppard said. “It’s hard to play that way in this heat, but I just wanted to give it my best shot.

“I knew I was going to have a tough match against Malik because he’s such a good player.”

Not only did the 5-foot-8 Sheppard (15-4) have to deal with a height disparity, but Mubeen won several points on balls that skated just over the net.

“[Mubeen] got about three or four of those breaks,’’ Sheppard said. “He just played good overall, and the shots just weren’t falling for me. I wish I had that kind of height.”

Mubeen (17-0) even wowed the crowd by returning a Sheppard lob between his legs.

“I actually practice that shot and try to do it in every match when I get a chance,’’ said Mubeen, who went on to win the singles championship in straight sets.

It was the second straight semifinal appearance for Sheppard, who doubles as a guard on the Blue Devil basketball team.

“Last year was kind of like a coming out party for our entire boys program,” Sheppard said. “Our team semifinal came down to the final matches last year with George Mason.

“I think Mason graduated four of their top six and we’ve got everybody back. Our girls have had success. Now, we want to show what we can do the next two days.”

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