MACON — This week has been trying, nerve-wracking and, ultimately, unforgettable for the North Hall girls tennis team.
The Lady Trojans clinched their first ever state semifinal berth on Wednesday, 3-1 over Brantley County -- just one day after winning in the second round of the state playoffs and just 48 hours removed from a will-we-or-won't-we weather delay.
After sweeping past Cook at home on Tuesday, North Hall hit the road to face Brantley County on Wednesday -- weather again taking precedent, as the possibility of rain on Thursday and Friday encouraged the Lady Trojans to play on consecutive days and avoid a possible match pile-up.
North Hall and Brantley County agreed to meet halfway, facing off in Macon, where the Lady Trojans (18-4) leaned on their singles play to clinch the historic victory.
North Hall's Anna Montgomery battled through a gritty, three-set match before prevailing, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5. Meanwhile, Lauren Davis claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory at No. 2 singles, and Christen Barnes helped seal the win with a 6-1, 6-0 scoreline at No. 3 singles.
North Hall's No. 2 doubles team of Carsen Baumgardner/Raquel Kallab fell 6-4, 6-4, and the No. 1 doubles match was ongoing when North Hall clinched, Annalise Gregory/Sydney Patterson having split the first two sets.
The Lady Trojans will take on Westminster by May 2 with a state championship berth on the line.
