Two champions crowned on first day of the Times-Gazette Tennis Open

David Swartzentruber during junior division play of the T-G Tennis Open at Brookside Park Friday, June 24, 2022.
David Swartzentruber during junior division play of the T-G Tennis Open at Brookside Park Friday, June 24, 2022.

ASHLAND — With the high school girls tennis season just over a month away, several Ashland High players participated in the junior events of the Times-Gazette Tennis Open Friday at Brookside Park’s tennis courts.

Two champions were crowned on the first day of the annual event.

Audra McBride, who will be a senior this fall, won the 18-and-under division in dominating fashion.

Jocelyn Honaker, who will be a sophomore this fall, outlasted Elena Haynes in the 15U championship match to win the other title.

McBride opened the tournament with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Chloe Ediger. She then cruised to a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Simone Haynes in the title match.

“It’s really good [to play in this tournament], especially for the girls, because our season starts August 1,” McBride said. “It’s really good to get the first-match nerves out here instead of when it’s going to count on your record.

“It’s just fun to come out and play with my teammates and see how everybody does.”

McBride has played in the Open for several years. Because she plays multiple sports at Ashland, most of her offseason tennis work is done during the summer.

Chloe Ediger during junior division play of the T-G Tennis Open at Brookside Park Friday, June 24, 2022.
Chloe Ediger during junior division play of the T-G Tennis Open at Brookside Park Friday, June 24, 2022.

“Playing in the summer really makes the whole difference,” she said. “Being able to play with teammates and local competition, just the talent, it’s really beneficial.”

McBride, who plays at first singles for the Arrows, qualified for the Division I state tournament as an individual this past fall. She was the first AHS girl to make state since 1998.

“I use this as almost a preview [for the upcoming high school season],” she said. “We have scrimmages in basketball. We don’t have that in tennis. Our first tournament is the first weekend in August.

“Having this to get you in the right mindset before the season starts is so beneficial.”

Honaker opened the tournament with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Leah Weingart. In the title match, she rallied to win 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 10-7.

“I’m very happy with how [the championship] match went,” Honaker said. “I always like it when it’s super close. It’s not all that fun when you’re getting horribly beaten, but it’s also not that fun when your opponent isn’t at your level.”

As a freshman last fall, Honaker played on the junior varsity team. Playing in the Open helped her gain some additional experience as she vies for a varsity spot this fall.

“I wanted to play people that I didn’t know as much and get experience playing other styles,” she said.

Reid Wash during junior division play of the T-G Tennis Open at Brookside Park Friday, June 24, 2022.
Reid Wash during junior division play of the T-G Tennis Open at Brookside Park Friday, June 24, 2022.

On Saturday, champions were crowned in two junior boys events.

Eli Glazier won the 15U singles championship, while the tandem of Trevor Mecurio and Philip Etzel won the 15U doubles title.

Glazier, who will be an eighth grader at Ashland Middle School this fall, cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Mecurio in the championship match. This was Glazier’s third year competing in the Open but first time winning a title.

For Glazier, playing in the Open was beneficial for several reasons.

“Match experience, for sure,” he said. “I think you can gain mental toughness.”

As for what he was hoping to accomplish during the Open?

“Win,” he said.

Mecurio and Etzel, both of Lexington, picked up a 6-2, 6-3 win over Glazier and David Swartzentruber to secure the doubles championship.

On Sunday, Etzel finished runner-up in the 18U singles division. He lost a close 7-6, 7-6 decision to his brother Karl Etzel.

Reach Chris at csnow@times-gazette.com

On Twitter: CSnow_TG

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Two Ashland High girls win titles on day one of T-G Tennis Open