RUSTON, La. — Ruston High School captured the Division II, Region I girls tennis championship Tuesday, repeating as regional champion behind a deep lineup that produced one individual title, two runner-up finishes and multiple semifinalists and quarterfinalists.
Junior Lillian Fendley led the way by winning the singles championship, while Ruston also earned runner-up finishes from doubles team Bess Black and Libby Morgan, along with boys singles player Jake Hawkins.
Coach David Poe said the title was the result of season-long effort across the roster.
“Proud is an understatement,” Poe said. “They did amazing but that’s no surprise. They’ve fought hard all year. They earned some of the top spots and proved they were worthy of them.”
Ruston advanced several entries deep into the bracket, showcasing the depth that helped secure the team championship.
Reaching the semifinals were doubles team Roan Sutherland and Hoss Flournoy, along with freshman singles player Leighton Brumley.
Quarterfinal appearances came from doubles teams Millie Keen and Mabry Doucet, Alyssa Langiulli and Eva Allen, Carson Williams and Reeves Kilpatrick, and senior singles player Micah Blount.
Poe said repeating as regional champions required contributions throughout the lineup.
“My girls are back-to-back regional champions,” Poe said. “It took every one of them to achieve that.”
He also praised Hawkins, who returned from an earlier injury to finish second in boys singles.
“Jake had an injury earlier in the season and we weren’t even sure he would be able to play,” Poe said. “He came back and worked extra hard and was the boys singles runner-up after playing one of his best games.”
Ruston now turns its attention to the state tournament.
“Everyone works hard and it paid off,” Poe said. “I can’t wait to see how they do at state.”
