BRYAN — Taylor High School varsity girls’ tennis has a state qualifier once again.
During the region meet Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, in Bryan, sophomore Rylee Michna and senior Julianna Gonzales collected some hardware.
Michna won the meet in the singles division, which advanced her to the state tournament in San Antonio. Meanwhile, Gonzales placed third, placing her as a state alternate.
“We had a good showing,” Coach Kevin Williams said. “It goes to show the kids here in Taylor are dedicated to their craft. We should be proud of all of them.”
Williams added that while the doubles pair of juniors Maci and Molli Kennick and the doubles pair of senior Abby Aplin and junior Krista Randig each fell in the first round, they were very competitive in a balanced field.
The reigning state champion, Michna will compete in a pool of eight players Thursday, May 16, at the Annemarie Tennis Center.
“Part of it is the dedication to her craft, her drive and her energy,” Williams said. “She’ll practice with us and then go practice for another three hours. She’s just so determined.”
Williams said Michna has not lost a single game in a match since February.
Gonzales will be able to compete at the state tournament if one of the qualified competitors is unable to compete.
The coach said the senior tennis player has come a long way.
“It’s pretty impressive from where she was, she’s only about five feet and one inch,” Williams said. “I think she gets underestimated a lot and she uses that to her advantage.”
