Gazebo Gazette (Photos by Matt Crosby)
The Long Beach Bearcats tennis team competed for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) 5A South State championship, losing 2-5 at the Pass Christian recreational courts.
“I am so proud with how our young team came together to win the majority of our matches this year and we will miss our one senior; Kass Kippes, as she has been such a positive role model for the team,” said Long Beach High School Head Tennis Coach Karen McMillan. “We look forward to continued growth and improvement in the off season with our junior tennis team and I expect this team to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in Class 5A.”
The Bearcats were led by the Girls singles player Nathalie Salvador, who defeated Noelle King in two sets, 6-2, 6-4. Noelle is currently ranked #4 in the state. This was their third meeting this season, and Nathalie is 3-0 against Noelle. Nathalie ended the season undefeated 13-0.
Additionally, Long Beach Boys singles Anderson Dulaney defeated He Feng Ou in three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 10-6. He Feng Ou is currently ranked #3 in the state.
Boys doubles #1 Bearcats Gavin Stalling and Jackson Dulaney lost to Oren Ladner and Kyle Bond (who are ranked #2 in state)0-6, 2-6. Boys doubles #2 Stokley Sawyer and Alex Hailes lost to Lawson Pearson and Tristan Hill (who are ranked #4) 1-6, 0-6
Among the Girls doubles #1, Long Beach Lady Bearcats Kass Kippes and Mallorie Rishel lost to Anna Stringer and Lainey Cunningham (who are ranked #1 in state) 2-6, 2-6 and Girls doubles #2 Rachel Crapps and Emily Lyons lost to Emily Luke and Kendall Burn (who are ranked #6) 0-6, 1-6.
Finally, Long Beach’s Mixed doubles John Frye and Regan Picchi lost to Nick Alexander and Kaylen Bond (ranked #1 in state) 3-6, 4-6
April 30- May 1 is the individual State Championship in Oxford, MS. Girls singles Salvador and mixed doubles Frye and Picchi will be competing for Long Beach.
Nathalie is currently ranked #3 in the state. John and Regan are ranked #10.
