Both Walker Valley tennis teams hit the first serve of their 2024 season hitting the indoor courts in Crossville’s Fairfield Glade Tennis Complex on Saturday. The Cumberland Classic is an annual team tennis event featuring schools from across the state. Among the teams playing were White House, Stone Memorial, Bradley Central, McMinn County and Cookeville. Each team sent two pairs of doubles along with several singles players to participate in a pool play type event. After an all day showing, both Walker Valley teams came away with team titles to open the season.
The gentlemen began play on the plateau with seniors Jose Guerrero and Sam Taylor, along with junior Noah Ufer taking the singles courts. Guerrero, one of the top returning players for the Mustangs, had a strong showing with a three set win over Cookeville’s Joseph Rochman followed by a two-set victory over Bradley’s Britton Carter to clinch the singles title. Guerrero’s teammates also played well in the “B” pool, winning that division as Ufer captured a straight set victory over Bradley’s Parker White to win the pool. Sam Taylor was able to secure a singles win against White House senior Cole Bryan before falling to White in the next round.
In doubles, the Mustangs had strong performances from duos Cash Coates and Mitch Brown, as well as Cael Coates and Turner Clayton. Both tandems won their pool play matches and advanced to the finals of their division. Cash Coates and Brown moved through the pool play with wins over both White House and Cookeville before winning the title with a straight set victory over Cookeville’s top team Daul Back and Jack McReyolds. Clayton and the younger Coates brother equaled their fellow duo with two wins in pool play but fell in the finals to Bradley Central’s Preston Henderson and Hunter Fields.
Walker Valley was able to capture the overall boy’s team title for the Cumberland Classic. “This was a great opener for both teams.” remarked Mustang head coach Eddie Coates. “We wanted to take an opportunity and compete before the season starts and I was really happy with the overall competitiveness of the kids here this weekend.”
The girls had the afternoon wave and again showed an early season edge that Coach Coates has been looking for from his team. “We have some ladies that are really looking to compete and contribute in the lineup. We are fortunate to have six or seven girls that can play anywhere in the lineup outside of our one.” shared Coates.
Doubles partners Libby Dunkle and Ava Graham had to battle in their pool play after dropping the opening match to Stone Memorial. Fellow Lady Mustangs Ella Klepzig and Mary Beasley were able to secure the first doubles win of the evening, followed by a second round win over Cookeville’s number one duo. Klepzig and Beasley would win a straight set match over Stone Memorial to capture the “B” pool title.
Lady Mustang senior Ensley Collins led the team in singles along with teammates, and sisters, Caileigh Collins and Avery Collins. The trio combined for six singles wins throughout the evening and an “A” pool championship for Ensley Cate. After the points were calculated, the Lady Mustangs also proved to be the top team in Cumberland.
“Again, just a good chance for our girls to play some quality opponents. We had some kids coming off of different seasons and breaks but we did some really good things today.” stated Coach Coates. Both teams will travel down South Lee Highway to take on district opponent Bradley Central for their season opening match.