GAINESVILLE — The Gainesville girls tennis team took a 3-1 victory over Winder-Barrow Wednesday at Longwood Park to capture the Region 8-AAAAAA title.
The No. 1 doubles team of Paige Ackerman and Madi Kiser clinched the win outlasting Rachel McCain and Lauren McNally winning two tiebreakers. Ackrman and Kiser won 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4).
“I am very proud of my girls tennis team. They pulled together in the end to get it done," Gainesville coach Kelli Smith said.
The Lady Red Elephants also got wins from senior Haley Frankum at No. 1 singles, who beat Kathryn Faulkner.6-4, 6-2, and from the No. 2 doubles team of Paige Patterson and Grace O’Keefe, who stormed past Cassie Hunter and Anna Bass 6-1, 6-1 to set up the clincher for the No. 1 team.
Winder-Barrow's lone win came at No. 2 singles where Scarlett Woodward knocked off Grayson Wagner 6-1, 6-0.
Ali Waggoner was winning her match against Lainey Finch 6-0, 4-3 at No. 3 singles when Ackerman and Kiser clinched the match.
It was the third region title for the Lady Red Elephats in the past four seasons.
"I am extremely proud to be part of such a great team," Frankum said. "A third region title in my four years of high school is a great memory to cherish."
