The FVHS tennis team had a great season this year, highlighted by an undefeated regular season, a conference championship and a deep run into the state playoffs.
The team as a whole started the season incredibly strong, not letting up a single team point until their third game of the season against Clayton, which they still won 8-1.
The Bengals then went on another shutout streak, with 9-0 victories against Southeast Raleigh, South Garner and Clayton. They then rounded out March with consecutive 8-1 wins against Cleveland and a 9-0 victory over Smithfield Selma.
FVHS tennis started April with another 9-0 win, this time against Garner, before heading out of conference for a 7-2 win against Holly Springs. Three more 9-0 wins in conference and a nailbiter 5-4 win versus Apex completed an undefeated regular season for the Bengals. It was at this point that they were officially announced conference champions and turned their eyes to the upcoming playoffs.
The Bengals started the playoffs with a bye through the first round, due to being seeded third in the eastern region. Their first actual game, in the second round, was a resounding victory, defeating the Overhills Jaguars 9-0.
In their third round match, the Bengals faced New Hanover, and their winning streak unfortunately went dry. Junior Holden de Vente, freshman Sam Britt and a doubles pair with senior Porter Reese and junior Colton Mendler won their matches, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Wildcats.
The tennis team now turns to next season, with key juniors like Mendler and de Vente leading the way for a strong season next year.
“They’re both strong players already, but they’ll have to become our leaders. If they’re successful, then the team will be successful,” said head coach Marshall Wortham, who also won conference Coach of the Year.
The playoffs also showcased new freshman talent that could help drive the team for a few years. Sam Britt performed well in the playoffs, winning their matches against New Hanover as well as building 5-1 and 26-3 records respectively.
The NCHSAA tennis state championship is this weekend between Cardinal Gibbons and Grimsley, May 15 at the Burlington Tennis Center.
