Providence Grove tennis team advances

CLIMAX — There was almost a little bit of a chuckle when Providence Grove High School tennis coach Rick Thomas found out the Patriots would be playing Trinity in the second round of the NCHSAA State 2-A Dual Meet Tournament last week.

The two teams were well acquainted.

“We really enjoy playing them, but by the fourth time, it’s like, this is getting old,” Thomas said after the Patriots advanced to Monday’s third round with a 5-2 win over Piedmont Athletic Conference rival Trinity. “After playing them two times and then three, we knew what to expect.”

After defeating the Bulldogs for the third time in the four meetings — two regular-season battles, one playoff battle to determine seedings after the two tied for the top spot in the league and once in the state tournament — the Patriots faced a team they know little about in Burns. Burns was the fourth seed in the West Region, while the Patriots (12-3) were fifth. 

After both teams received first-round byes, PG topped Trinity and Burns posted an 8-1 win over North Surry in second round action. 

“Actually, I think we play better away than at home,” Thomas said of the road playoff encounter. “They seem too comfortable at home.”

The Patriots have looked pretty comfortable all year. Especially after opening the season with a loss to Bishop McGinness. The Patriots won 12 of their final 14, losing only to Trinity once and to Chatham Charter by a 5-4 count.

“It’s really a pretty big accomplishment,” Thomas said of the season. “The biggest thing is letting them know how far they have gone. Not knowing the history, if they have gone this far before, it’s been a long time.”

The Patriots have ridden an experienced lineup this season. Senior Audrey Frazier won the league’s singles title, with senior Mya Barber at No. 2 singles, senior Caroline Tidwell at No. 3, senior Abby Greeson at four, and juniors Liz Shoe and Alisa Shaw rounding out the top singles performers.

Frazier placed third in the individual regional meet and participated in the state tournament last week.