MURFREESBORO - The old adage of seventh game is the key game in a set proved true for the Hixson boys doubles team of seniors Alex Condra and Richard Vuong.
The Wildcats won the key game in both sets for a 6-2, 6-2 win against Cam Presley-Will Richardson (Trinity Christian, Jackson, Tenn.) and advanced to the Spring Fling state D-I A-AA doubles finals Friday at noon EDT here at Old Fort Park Tennis Complex.
The Wildcat duo was up a set and up 4-2, had lost the sixth game and lost the first point of the seventh game and the momentum quickly switched to Presley-Richardson.
Condra had a put away, game-winning shot at the net in game six to go up 5-1, but netted the shot and then lost his first point in game seven on his serve.
But he and Vuong watched as Presley-Richardson made three unforced errors and the Wildcats won the game for a 5-2 lead and then broke their opponents for the win.
“We just had to play steady in the seventh game of the second set and we did,” said Condra who won a city doubles title in the eighth grade for Hixson Middle. “We have played together for three years and feel confident together on the court and know each others’ game."
Quarterfinal Win vs. Notre Dame: Hixson won a nail-biter in the quarterfinals against Notre Dame’s Andrew Lisy-Nick Coronis, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (5) before the semi’s win.
“That was a big relief for us to win that match,” Condra stated.
“We seem to play better with a match under our belts and that proved to be true in the semis,” Vuong said.
Back in the Finals: Condra, who is the class valedictorian, lost in the state singles a year ago and hopes for a state championship medal Friday.
Baylor Has Three in Finals
D-II AA Singles: 10 a.m. EDT
Junior Drew Hawkins looks for her second straight singles title against Winslow Huth (Harpeth Hall).
D-II AA Boys Doubles: Noon EDT
Patrick Toomey-Alex Kadrie vs. Andres Carro-Frederick Danielson (MUS)
D-II AA Girls Doubles: 10 a.m. EDT
Lauren Carelli-Presley Thomas (Baylor) vs. Maddox Bandy-Jenna Thorstenson (GPS) … Carelli-Thomas are facing the defending state champs in the finals … Carelli and Lilly Mooney lost to the Bruiser duo in 2015 final.
GPS Duo Looks For Second Title
D-II AA Girls Doubles 10 a.m. .. Maddox Bandy and Jenna Thorstenson take on Baylor’s Lauren Carelli and Presley Thomas in the finals.
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net