UIL Team Tennis: Veterans Memorial takes aim at elusive state tournament berth
Veterans Memorial's tennis program has experienced success since the school opened its doors in 2015.
The program was the first athletic program at the fledgling school to make the playoffs, and the school's first state champion came from the tennis program.
As the 2022 University Interscholastic League Team Tennis season shifts to the playoffs, the Eagles are carrying in an impressive streak while also trying to break through a ceiling to make more history.
Veterans Memorial has won 55 straight team tennis district matches. It is a streak that dates back to 2017, and in the process the Eagles have won six consecutive district championships. In the playoffs, Veterans Memorial has qualified for the "Sweet 16" or better in five of the last six years.
The one thing missing from the program's impressive resume is that team tennis state tournament berth and a state championship.
"Our kids have done a really good job of doing what we ask them to do," said coach Jeff Davidson, who has led the program to an all-time record of 122-19 in team tennis. "They are working hard and playing outside of school. That's probably the biggest thing. We've had good kids that are coachable and willing to do the work. They don't want to be the team that let all the streaks end."
The Eagles finished an impressive 14-0 this season, rolling through District 29-5A with a 9-0 record. Now the focus will be on advancing in the Class 5A team tennis playoffs. In 2021, Veterans Memorial returned to the regional tournament only to lose a tight match with Georgetown 10-7.
This season, Davidson and the Eagles are determined to break through.
"We can get it done here," Davidson said of winning a state championship. "As a coach I want to get over that hump really bad and we are still hurting from what happened last fall. This year we hope we can get back."
Veterans Memorial Tennis
Here is a look at the players on this year's Veterans Memorial tennis team. Records for fall of 2022 in parentheses. The Eagles are 14-0 this season.
Lleyton Davidson (14-0 singles and doubles); Jenny Su (14-0 singles and doubles); Nick Hastings (14-0 singles, 11-3 doubles); Hayden Bull (7-3 singles, 11-3 doubles); Jesse Perez (8-2 singles); Elam Fox (9-1 singles, 11-3 doubles); Declan Fox (8-1 singles, 12-2 doubles); Zaynah Bhakta (14-0 singles, 11-3 doubles); Ziya Bhakta (11-0 singles, 11-3 doubles); Avery Medina (10-3 singles); William Merlini (7-1 doubles); Lachlan Prouatt (10-0 doubles).
Other players and teams to watch
Tuloso-Midway
The Warriors won the District 30-4A title this season and finished 10-5 overall. A player to watch is Wolfgang Lopez, who is 14-1 in the No. 1 singles position. T-M lost to eventual state champion Wimberley in the playoffs in 2021.
Gregory-Portland
G-P earned its 15th consecutive playoff berth this season and finished the year 8-4. Players to watch are Dale Loveland (undefeated in doubles), Rev Wicks and Addison Cluff.
Flour Bluff
The Hornets finished second in District 29-5A this season. Top players are Francis Rizon, Colton Hooper, Zach Graham, Madisyn Barganski, Lauren Hill and Zoe McDonald.
Ray
The Texans finished 7-2 this season and were third in District 29-5A.
Rockport-Fulton
The Pirates won the District 26-4A championship.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: UIL Team Tennis: Veterans Memorial takes aim at state tournament
