At the start of the season, neither Notre Dame head coach Nancy Fox nor assistant coach Gary McIntyre could have imagined a 16-1 season and a berth in the Final Four at BlueCross Spring Fling XX. But the Irish players made the coaches believers by season's end.
"I thought we would be about five hundred for the season, but the guys played great and peaked at the right time to make a run at a state title," said coach Fox.
To say Notre Dame was on its game in May was an understatement as the Green and White were undefeated during the regular season, won district, region and sectional titles and did earn that spot in the Final Four.
But the team came up two wins short on its run to a state championship as Christian Academy of Knoxville edged the Irish, 4-2, Tuesday and advanced to the state finals.
"The semis was a great match and CAK has a really great team," coach Fox stated.
CAK (12-5) led 3-2 after singles as senior Jay Nuyen and freshman J.R. Davis had wins for the Irish. Tanner DeBord and Ethan Fussell (CAK) turned back sophomore Charles Jabaley and Davis, 9-5, at No.1 doubles for the deciding point.
Summing up the season, coach Fox said, "it was a fun year and we have our top two players back for next year."
contact B.B. Branton at willam.branton@comcast.net