EVENSVILLE - Both Walker Valley tennis teams journeyed to Rhea County on Thursday to engage in a District 5 matchup as the season nears the finish line.
The Mustangs showed why they sit at the top of the standings as both teams clamped down on the host Eagles and secured 9-0 shutout team wins.
The boys doubles match started with fireworks as top-seeded duo Jose Guerrero and Noah Ufer battled Rhea’s Hank Logsdon and Bryce Clift to a 8-all tie.
In the deciding tiebreaker, Guerrero and Ufer took control early and never looked back, ultimately winning the match 9-8 and securing a 3-0 sweep of doubles.
Walker Valley pairs of Cash and Cael Coates, along with Mitch Brown and Davis Ensley both claimed 8-3 doubles wins.
The Mustangs picked up steam from doubles and carried that momentum into singles where all six matches went in favor of the "Blue-and-Gold."
“Rhea has some strong players at the top of their lineup. Noah and Jose played strong again with 8-0 wins, but our whole group fought hard today.” shared first-year WV head coach Eddie Coates.
The win continues the impressive season for Walker Valley as they remain undefeated in the district with a rematch looming with Cleveland High School Friday, at the Mustang Tennis Complex.
The Lady Mustangs, not wanting to be upstaged, followed suit with their own 9-0 sweep.
With little doubt in the doubles matches, the only drama unfolded on Court 4, as junior Ella Klepzig battled back from 1-7 down to claim a 9-8 win and finish the night for the Lady Mustangs.
Ava Graham, Libby Dunkle, and Mary Beasley joined teammates Ensley Collins and Leila Gherhardt in collecting singles wins for Walker Valley.
“Ella’s match was really fun for her. It was exciting watching her fight her way back and get a nice win.” shared Coach Coates.
The win allows Walker Valley to keep pace with McMinn County for the right to advance to the region tournament.
