Danger, the 18 and under United States Tennis Association (USTA) Junior Team Tennis representative from St. Mary’s County, claimed first place at the Mid-Atlantic Sectional Championships, held the weekend of August 14-15 at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, Va.
The St. Mary’s County squad finished atop the eight team field in a grueling, two day competition, during which they knocked off teams representing the District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The tournament featured a two flight format, with the winners squaring off in the championship match. Placed in Flight A, Danger prevailed in dominating fashion in their opening match against West Virginia’s Orange, winning by a total games score of 38-16. They found similar success in their third and final match of group play, trouncing Worldgate Acres of Virginia, 36-18.
It was Danger’s second match, versus the District of Columbia’s SETLC, which proved pivotal in earning a spot in the final. Facing elimination from the tournament, the boys doubles pair of Billy Clark and Connor McKissick overwhelmed SETLC’s Isaiah Hampton and Christian Tarver in straight sets. The match turned on its head, Danger ultimately edged SETLC, 32-27.
In the tournament’s decisive contest, Danger was pitted against Advantage, their second West Virginia opponent in as many days. Despite falling in three of the five matches, they were again able to rally after massive performances by the boys and girls doubles squads. Again, the tandem of Clarke and McKissick came through in straight sets, while the female pair of Hope Ironmonger and Lydia Browne surrendered only one game. Because Danger topped Advantage in total games won by a count of 31-26, they were able to overcome falling short in both singles matches, as well as mixed doubles.
Coached by Matthew Taggert and Derek Sabedra, Danger will represent the Mid-Atlantic region as they compete for a National Championship in Surprise, Arizona, from October 28-31. In addition to Clarke, McKissick, Ironmonger, and Browne, Danger was led by stellar play throughout the tournament from boys singles athlete Robert Bishop, and the mixed doubles side of Danielle Gorman and Spencer White.
“I could not be any prouder as a coach than when we won the final match against a tough West Virginia team. The kids not only played for themselves but for their community, parents, and fans in St. Mary’s County,” said an elated Sabedra of his side’s performance.
Due to the various expenses the team will accrue while making the cross country trek, they are currently seeking sponsorship opportunities from local businesses or patrons. If anyone is interested in assisting Danger, please contact Derek Sabedra at ddsabedra@smcm.edu.
