For the second consecutive season, Highland Park’s tennis team is district champion.
The Scots wrapped up the District 6-5A crown in convincing fashion Sept. 29 with a sweep of Richland, 19-0.
Not only did HP finish 6-0 in district competition, it won five matches via sweep with only Colleyville Heritage getting on the scoreboard in a 17-2 defeat.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Vince Sharp, HP head coach. “It’s always special when you’re able to win a district championship, and it was a big step for us to win a couple in a row and get back on top. The other thing, of course, is that it gives you a little better draw in the playoffs.”
Those playoffs kicked off Tuesday, where HP continued its strong play with an 11-5 win over Frisco Lebanon Trail in the bi-district round.
“It was a big matchup,” Vance said. “There were moments where it was tense and challenging, but the kids really played hard to pull it out. I think this was probably the best singles match the team has played all year.
“Four of the matches we lost were tiebreakers, though, so that’s something we really need to clean up and do better in moving forward.”
Vance credited the mixed doubles team of Barrett Brown and Taylor Stephens for setting the tone with its win, while Steven Hu clinched the win with his victory at Line 1 singles.
“Briley Brown really stood out with her play, too,” Sharp added.
With the win, HP advances to the area round where it will square off against Melissa at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Prosper Richland.
Sharp noted that Melissa is a rival of Anna, where he previously coached prior to taking over at HP.
“It was a pretty bitter rivalry between us,” he said. “It’s going to be fun to get back out there against them.”
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