TENNIS: Elkhart girls doubles advances to regionals

The Elkhart Lady Elks girls doubles team of Aubrey McClendon and Annika Vargas advanced to the regional tournament after a strong showing at district

“I’m extremely proud of how our team performed at the district tournament,” Elkhart head tennis coach Kyle Carroll said. “We compete in a very strong district against programs where athletes play tennis year round, so we know we have to get an early start. As soon as football season ends for me, we shift our focus and begin putting in the work necessary to compete at a high level in the spring.”

At the District 20-3A tournament, the team was led by the girls doubles runner-up of McClendon and Vargas.

“McClendon, along with her junior partner Vargas are advancing to regionals in girls doubles,” Carroll said. They finished as district runners-up after a big win over Fairfield in a playback match. Ethan Waldon and Rebekah Easley also had a strong showing, earning third place in mixed doubles. Additionally, sophomore Brynn Thornhill placed third in girls singles.”

Carroll said for the seniors, this is a special moment for them finishing the way they have.

“I’m especially proud of our seniors — McClendon, Easley and Ethan Waldon,” Carroll said. “They’ve been the foundation of our team this year. All three have been part of the program for four years. Their leadership and commitment have played a major role in the growth and success we’re now seeing.”

Carroll said he is excited to see how the girls respond at regionals.

“Because of the strength across our girls doubles, singles and mixed doubles, our girls team was able to finish as district runner-up overall,” Carroll said. “It’s rewarding to see the results of the hard work our players have put in. I’m excited to see how our girls compete at the regional tournament in the coming weeks.”

In the junior varsity division, Kathleen Phillips was the girls singles third-place finisher, while David French finished third in boys singles. In girls doubles, the team of Meredith Ward and Paisley Bridges was third, while in boys doubles, Evan Martinez and Gabriel Jones was fourth.

The mixed doubles team of Grayson Hickmon and Eliana Garcia finished fourth.