Byrd triplets capture LHSAA regional tennis titles; Loyola, Calvary post winners
Behind outstanding play in singles and doubles from the Young triplets, the Byrd girls tennis team captured the LHSAA Division I regional tennis title Tuesday in Ruston.
Senior Isabella Young won the singles title with a 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Chloe Batteron of West Monroe, while her senior sisters Morgan and Sydney Young were the doubles champions.
“It’s been a great experience to win regionals again this year,” Isabella Young said. “I had a tough match in the finals, so hopefully that gets me ready for the state finals next week. The best part is playing while having my teammates, friends and other parents cheer me on.”
Byrd freshman Knox Stinson defeated Airline’s Drew Kolniak 6-0, 6-0 to win the boys’ singles title. In Division III, the Loyola girls won the title, while the Flyer boys tied Calvary for that crown.
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Morgan and Sydney Young topped fellow Lady Jackets and younger sister Avery Young and Hannah Howard 6-1, 6-1 for the doubles title.
“This year was extra special because I was able to play against my freshman sister in the finals,” Morgan Young said. “I can’t wait to compete in state and hopefully win it all.”
Added Sydney: “It’s weird to think we have won regionals every year and how this is our last year. I truly love how we are able to all play for Byrd and have some sisterly competition.”
Avery Young may be the future of Byrd tennis.
“Getting all the way to the finals as a freshman was a great experience,” Avery said. “I had a great time and am so proud of our team. I can’t wait for the next three years.”
Loyola’s Mae Graf and Cassidy Kirk won the D-III doubles title, while Sophia Fertitta and Audrey Dufrene were the runners-up. Flyers Sanders Graf and Ravi Ahuja won the boys doubles title while Bo Bowman and Grego Ghali were the runners-up. Loyola’s Mary Marzel Elberson won the girls singles title by topping Taylor Nash.
Also in D-III, Calvary had a host of state qualifiers including Cayden Simmons (singles champ), Jeff Lary, Mason Batts, Bryce Colvin, Charlie Gregory, Abram Covington, Hayden Donaldson, Hudson Crager, Annie Bickham, Brynn Lovitt, Shelby Simmons, Anna Kate Lary, Bailey Barber, Molly Mac and Emily Bennett.
The LHSAA state championships are slated for Monday and Tuesday at UL Monroe.
Jimmy Watson covers Shreveport-Bossier area sports. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA tennis: Byrd, Loyola, Calvary teams win regional titles
