The Mahomet-Seymour High School girls' tennis team made a strong showing at the IHSA Class 1A state tournament, with all three of their qualifiers winning at least two matches. The doubles teams in particular demonstrated their resilience, rebounding from first-round losses to advance deep into the consolation bracket.

Bulldogs Prove Their Mettle on the Big Stage

Doubles Duos Defy the Odds

The Mahomet-Seymour doubles teams faced tough competition at the state tournament, but they refused to be deterred. Haley Reed and Elana Religioso dropped their opening match, but they quickly regained their footing, dispatching opponents from Chicago University High, Geneseo, and Teutopolis to advance to the consolation fourth round. Their impressive run came to an end against a duo from Niles, but they finished the season with a commendable 17-4 record in doubles.Teammates Adella Bird and Holland Martin also faced an early setback, falling in their first match to Effingham St. Anthony. Undaunted, they rallied to win their next two rounds, overcoming challenges from Richton Park and Rockford Lutheran before being eliminated by Triad. Their final season record stood at 14-5, and they had the distinction of winning at least one match at state for the second consecutive year.

Agate Shines in Singles Debut

In the singles competition, Eliza Agate represented Mahomet-Seymour with distinction. She secured a victory in her state debut, defeating a player from Marengo in a hard-fought three-set match. Agate's impressive run came to an end in the second round, but she bounced back with a consolation-round win before ultimately being eliminated.Despite the setback, Agate's performance was a testament to her skill and determination. She finished the season as the Bulldogs' winningest player in singles, compiling an impressive 18-4 record. Agate's state tournament debut marked a significant milestone in her high school career, and her success has set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.

Bulldogs Climb the Ranks at State

Mahomet-Seymour's strong showing at the state tournament was a reflection of the team's overall success throughout the season. The Bulldogs set a school record with a 17-0 dual-meet record, while also claiming the Apollo Conference and sectional titles.The team's depth was on full display, with 23 of the 27 squad members contributing at least one match in doubles, and 20 earning at least one win. In singles, 21 members of the roster were involved in at least one victory.The Bulldogs' top performers in singles included Agate, Religioso, Ashley Shoaf, Martin, Bird, and Reed, each of whom compiled impressive individual records. In doubles, the standout teams were Reed and Religioso, Bird and Martin, and Lindsay Gowler and Shoaf.The Bulldogs' success at the state tournament marked a significant milestone in the program's history. After tying for 30th place a year ago and 51st two years ago, Mahomet-Seymour finished in a tie for 12th this year, their first top-15 state finish in girls' tennis.The team's remarkable progress is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, as well as the guidance of coach Alex Amatyleon. As the Bulldogs look ahead to the future, their state tournament performance has set the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.