As juniors Lindsay Will and Blair Breazeale survey their opponents, they focused on their goal of making it to state.

“It was our goal to get to state this year, so we practiced a lot this past year and over the summer and spent a lot of time on the court,” said Will.

No matter how good players cooperate off the court, on the court is a whole different story. Will and Breazeale are a headed to state together.

“We have to work on communicating more and learn how to relax. It’s really about being there mentally,” said Breazeale.

State is much different than conference. The competition is much more skilled and on a higher level than the players at conference. All players at State are the best in their conference and have had to come a long way to make it to state. Unlike conference, state is more individually focused.

“We know there is going to be tough competition, but we are thrilled to know that we have made it this far,” said sophomore Hayden Pennington.

Pennington’s doubles partner is freshmen Josh Benford of Central Junior High School. Pennington and Benford beat Heritage War Eagles doubles team to secure their 5 seed spot on their way to state.

“My goal for the players is to have better communication between the team, not to have any double faults, and to get a solid game plan together,” said assistant tennis coach Sandra Temple.

Qualifying for state is a big deal, but the goal at state isn’t only to win.

“Some of the main things I want my students to gain from going to state is to experience competing and performing at a high level,” said Coach Temple.

Competition is much more elite, and it is difficult for underclassmen to beat the veterans.

“Our goal is either to get second or third place,” said Will.

The players who are going to state have anywhere from one to three years left to compete as high schoolers.

“We are going to state with a freshman, a sophomore, and two juniors, so if we gain the experience this year, we can be an even stronger team next season,” said Coach Temple.