Banks County’s Lady Leopards’ tennis team started off the season in a big way and already are 3-0.
The lady netters look to continue their early streak with a strong appearance this week on the road at Elbert County. Banks County takes on Elbert Thursday at 4 p.m. Next week, Banks County stays on the road, heading to Towns County Monday, March 7, looking for a repeat win over the Indians. Monday’s match is scheduled for 4 p.m.
“I am very excited about the rest of our season,” said head coach Lisa Thomas. “The girls are working hard and have promised this to be one of the best seasons yet. I am very confident of their ability and am looking forward to what's to come.”
The Lady Leopards continue to be the road warriors as Banks County takes on Rabun County March 10.
Banks County’s first region home match is in two weeks as the Lady Leopards take on Fannin County.
“I hope we have lots come out and support the team on Thursday, March 17, for our first home region match against Fannin County at 4 p.m.,” Thomas said.
This week, the ladies missed out on a day of practice Monday due to the storm that blew across northeast Georgia, but the unintended day off didn’t slow down the lady netters as the team earned their third win if the season on Tuesday.
Banks County swept Dawson County’s Lady Tigers, 5-0 playing pro-eight sets.
Leading the victory was number one singles, Kara Murphy with a clean sweep, 8-0, over Hannah Velcoff. In the number two singles set, Halley Hill added the win over Dawson’s Emma Salmela, 8-1. Lezlee Bonnett, at number three singles won by injury foreit by Chloe Beacham
Securing the win at number one doubles, Taylor Seabolt and Anna Gailey went 8-3 over Lora Brown and Sara Anglin, while number two doubles team Ashley O'Kelley and Alissa Moudler defeated Hannah Porter and Whitney Glover, 8-5.
In the season opening match, Banks County hosted cross-region rival Jefferson, and earned the win 3-2.
“This was a match that set the tone for our season and the girls proved they are ready to take the team far,” said Thomas.
Earning the win for Banks County, number two singles Hill won in a third set tie-breaker over Amanda Burgamy, 3-, 6-4, 7-6. In doubles action, first team Seabolt and Gailey defeated Chelsea Runkell and Grace Main 6-4, 6-2. number two doubles O'Kelley and Moulder were victorious over Maggie Paul and Savannah Sapp 6-0, 6-0.
Murphy had a tough loss at number one singles to Bell Blakenship, 3-6, 4-6 and number three singles, Bonnett also lost after a tough match to Taylor Bost, 2-6, 2-6.
On Thursday, Feb. 17, the girls won against Towns County, 3-2.
Playing pro-eights, Murphy led the way 8-0 over Alexa Arencibia, while Bonnett defeated Ginny Rhodes, 8-4. Seabolt and Gailey secured the win going 8-3 over doubles opponent, Jordan Moats and Courtney Farmer.
In a tough singles set, Hill fell to Kristin Fuhs, 7-9, while doubles tea, O’Kelley and Moulder also lost a tough set, 6-8, to Kristie McConnell and Kayla Olin.
The Banks County boys’ team was scheduled to start their season Tuesday, March 4 against Dawson County. Results from that match were unavailable at press time.
