Jeff Linville | The News
Reigning state champion Jordan Jackson hits a forehand in Tuesday’s match. Undefeated until last week, the senior has dropped back-to-back matches since the death of her uncle.
The Lady Bears took the first five tennis matches to defeat Lake Norman Charter in the 1A state dual-team playoffs.
The Bears, ranked first in the state all season, defeated the sixth-ranked Lake Norman school 5-1 to secure the team win before even starting doubles play.
That suited the Bears just fine who have a couple of ailing players who didn’t need the extra wear and tear.
Top seed Jordan Jackson has been wearing a brace on her left wrist for weeks. While it doesn’t affect her forehand, Jackson does use a two-handed backswing most of the time.
Jackson lost Saturday in the regional final, then fell today 3-6, 1-6 in the last match to finish Tuesday.
The Jackson family has been mourning the loss of Jordan’s uncle, Jay Alan Mason, on Thursday. She missed Monday’s practice for the funeral.
Fourth seed Haley Thomas said she broke a string on four different racquets during the regional doubles tournament this weekend. With her right wrist ailing, she went to the doctor and found she has a stress fracture as well.
Thomas said she tried wrapping the wrist up, but that made it harder to grip her newly restrung racquet.
With a business-like demeanor, Thomas rushed through her match 6-2, 6-0, the first to leave the court.
Third seed Jade Hughes, who is often one of the last players off the court, finished next with a 6-0, 6-1 score.
Sister Bree Hughes won her fifth-set match 6-3, 6-0. Sixth seed Carley VanHoy won 6-3, 6-1.
Second seed Davi Barbour swept the first set 6-0, but found the second set much harder. She led just 3-2 and 4-3 before winning the last two games for a 6-3 win.
The Bears forfeited the three doubles matches and still prevailed 5-4.
Mount Airy reached the final four of the West, along with rival Bishop McGuinness, which defeated East Wilkes 5-2 Tuesday.
The Bears (19-2) face Chatham Central (15-2) at home Thursday, while Bishop (14-3) travels to Gray Stone (17-0).
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