PREP TENNIS: VHSL Realignment Affects Abingdon Girls in Region IV

EMORY, Va. — The road to Radford has become much steeper for Southwest District athletes.

Just ask the members of the Abingdon girls tennis team.

One week after dropping a 6-0 decision to unbeaten Hidden Valley in the Region IV team finals, the Falcons lost to the same Roanoke area school in Tuesday’s individual doubles tournament at Emory & Henry.

Freshman Kristin Harter and junior Whitney Walter from Hidden Valley stopped senior Julia Smith and junior Hannah Morgan from Abingdon by a 6-1, 6-0 margin.

Hidden Valley is a member of the powerful River Ridge District, which was placed into Region IV this year as part of the Virginia High School League realignment process.

“Not to put down our district at all, but Graham was the main competition we faced this season,” AHS coach Mary Beverly said. “I haven’t ever seen tennis like this in our old region.”

Meanwhile, the SWD doubles champion pairing of sophomore Caitlin Azzo and freshman Danielle Gabe from Graham stopped Piedmont District champions Hillary Mazurek and
Leigh Smith of Martinsville by a 6-2, 6-1 margin.

The doubles championship is set for 3 p.m. today, with the winners advancing to the state final four on June 6-7 at Radford University.

Morgan and Smith only began playing together a quarter of the way into this season, but they lost only twice and played well at times Tuesday. The Falcons needed more than grit and hustle, however.

“We split matches with Graham, and Hidden Valley beat Graham, so we figured it would be a tough match,” Morgan said. “This was definitely the best [doubles] team we’ve seen, and I think we kind of lost confidence.”

Morgan, who played the No. 5 singles spot last season, figures to be a team leader next year with her scrappy approach.

“I’m glad we advanced this far and got to advance a really good team,” Morgan said. “It was a nice experience.”

Smith could only marvel upon learning that the power-hitting Harter is just a freshman.

“That’s crazy,” said Smith, who will attend the University of Virginia. “[Harter] hits with power and has those down the line shots that just come at you.

“The problem is that we don’t get to face many teams like that in our district except for Graham. I hope they do well at state.”

The AHS coach said that her doubles combo brought more than smooth strokes to her team.

“Julia has a great attitude and is always so positive, while Hannah is a competitor who never gives up,” Beverly said. “I hate to see Julia go, but these past two weeks will probably give Hannah and our younger players something to work for because they know what kind of talent they will be seeing at this level.”

In singles play, Azzo displayed athletic ability and tenacity en route to a 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Mazurek. After a tentative opening set, Azzo changed her approach and consistently ripped forehand winners against the second serve of Mazurek.

“I tried to play a little more aggressive, keep the ball in and just move my feet more,” Azzo said. “I didn’t move as well as I should have early, and that brought me down. I get a little frustrated at times, so I just had to get my mind back into the match.”

Azzo credited her physical training from cheerleading for her fitness and strong upper body.

“It always helps to be in shape,” Azzo said. “You have to be able to run to have success in sports.”

Azzo played the No. 3 seed on the Graham team which won the Region IV title last season. Alex Azzo, brother of Caitlin, is the top seed on the Graham boys team as a junior.

“I thought I would do okay this year, and I’m pretty proud of myself so far,” said the 13-1 Azzo, whose lone loss in a match came against Blacksburg. “It’s been a lot tougher this season with the new [River Ridge District] schools moving into our region.”

In the other singles semifinal, Harter won when Marion junior Megan Buchanan forfeited her match due to illness.

Harter and Azzo are scheduled to meet today at noon for the regional title, with the doubles championship to follow. All matches are at E&H.

The state singles final four is set for June 5 at Radford University.

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