Despite just missing out on a trip to the state finals, Brandon’s varsity girls tennis program made significant inroads this season.
The Blackhawks finished in a third-place tie at the Oct. 6 Division 2 regional meet at Holly High School. The host Bronchos finished first, while Flushing finished second. Brandon tied with Fenton and Lapeer West for third.
However, only the top two teams in regional competition advance to the state finals, so the Blackhawks? season came to an end.
Nonetheless, Brandon coach Brian Moore said the Blackhawks had the most competitors advance to the regional semifinals in their respective brackets in the program’s history.
In singles action, Monica Lambert at #1, Lynsey Crain at #2 and Megan Ostrowski at #4 all advanced to the semifinals, as did Lauren Dixon and Emily Fluck (at #1 doubles) and Shannon Elliott and Brittany Barber (at #4 doubles).
Considering Holly and Flushing competed in all the final matches in each of the brackets, Moore said what the Blackhawks accomplished is significant.
‘We were closer than we’ve ever been,? he said.
The Blackhawks also tied Fenton for second place in the Flint Metro League, with Holly winning the league championship.
Moore said although the Blackhawks will be losing nine players to graduation, the future is still bright for the team.
‘We have a lot of younger kids coming up,? he said. ‘I like our chances. I think we can be pretty good next year.?