APA advance to 11th straight tennis state semifinal

By Junious Smith III

Making it to the NCISAA semifinals is nothing new to Arendell Parrott.

The Patriots defeated Carmel Christian 5-0 Friday to improve to 13-0 on the season. APA clinched its 11th straight trip to the Final Four after winning its three doubles matches and picking up two quick singles wins, suspending the rest of the games.

“It was an impressive performance,” APA tennis coach Brad Sauls said. “I saw a fire in them in the warmup today—I told them ‘that’s the best warmup we’ve had all year’ and I think it’s just because playoffs are why we play. This is the time of year when it really counts, so they went out there and took care of business.”

Allison Christiano got the team’s fifth win as the Patriots didn’t drop a set in the matches to continue the streak.

“It’s been kind of the expectation and as a senior, it’s good to continue that legacy behind,” Christiano said.

In doubles, Cameron Jones said the team’s intensity played a pivotal role.

“They were a good doubles team, but we started out aggressive and continued to be aggressive,” Jones said. “We were ready to go out there and win.”

APA hosts Asheville Christian Tuesday with a chance of reaching its third straight title game. The Patriots are looking for their first state championship since 2011, a feat Mary Helen Hood said is achievable.

“It’s going to take a lot of practice and everyone staying confident,” Hood said. “I know we can win, but we have to believe it can happen — if we do that, we’ll be good.”

SINGLES

Allison Christiano (APA) def. Laura Beth Lynch 6-0, 6-0

Mary Helen Hood (APA) def. Elizabeth Poarch 6-0, 6-0

DOUBLES

Cameron Jones-Erika Gorrin-Rivas (APA) def. Passion Kabwe-Allie Spies 8-0

Anna Morris-Grace Brydge def. Laura Beth Lynch-Riley Highfield 8-0

Allison Christiano-Mary Helen Hood def. Elizabeth Poarch-Kendal Colson 8-0