The Mathews High School girls’ tennis team swept all six singles matches Tuesday to defeat West Point in the Region A semifinals. Number one seed Lyla Duff turned in an outstanding performance with a 6-1, 6-2 win, followed by Liberti Carter, who won 6-2, 6-3; Ella Ward 6-2, 6-1; Delaney Boatman 6-3, 6-2; Rayann Helbig 6-3, 6-2; and Jayda Thomas 6-1, 6-3. “The girls came to play and raised their level,” said MHS coach Jon Hatch, who went on to single out the play of his fifth-seed player. “Rayann has caught fire and that’s great for her and us.” Carter (above) and fellow senior Marissa Hudgins were honored prior to the match for the girls’ Senior Night. At 3 p.m. today, Thursday, May 22, the MHS girls will travel to Rappahannock for the Region A championship. Regardless of the outcome, the Lady Devils will advance to state play next week against an as-yet undetermined opponent from Region B.
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