The Lady Cats tennis team is advancing to the Elite Eight after a decisive 3-0 win against Jones County on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bearcats were swept by McIntosh as the Lady Cats beat Jones County.

Number one singles, Sydnee Burke, took the courts first and won 6-0, 6-1 against her opponent.

Number two singles; Mikey Harrell was noticeably absent after suffering from a concussion that happened earlier in the week, when she was involved in a car accident with fellow teammates.

Taking her place was Gracie Surratt, who won 6-1 and in a close matchup of 7-5.

Coach Amy Thomas said she was really proud of Surratt. She knew this would be a lot of pressure for her to take on, but she stepped up and was ready to take on the challenge.

Surratt was also excited she could pull off the win.

“I’m really proud of how it turned out,” Surratt said. “I had to take Mikey’s spot, but I pulled off with a win, just like I know she would have.”

Surratt assured everyone that teammate, Mikey, will be back to play in the Elite Eight, though.

Number one doubles team, Bree Powell and Jade Stacey were the third winners in the match and the team that sealed the fate of the Lady Bearcats win.

Powell and Stacey won 6-1, 6-3. Powell said the game was definitely a challenge, but she and Stacey played really well together, so were happy to bring back a win.

Other key players, Madison Wiggins, Megan Meszaros and Sarah Caroline Darley were still in the midst of their matchups when the third win was announced, so they were unable to finish their games, but hope to have the final say on the court during the next game.

Burke spoke on the team’s success and how it feels to move to the next level of competition.

“It feels great to know everything we’ve worked towards is being accomplished,” she said.

The Lady Cats will play reigning state champions, Chamblee next on their home court. GHSA did a universal coin toss, and Chamblee won, guaranteeing them to host.

Powell said she is excited to travel to Atlanta to face their competition. Teammate, Stacey agreed, but said the team is a little nervous because they lost last year. However, she guaranteed this year the team is coming back stronger.

The date is not firm yet, but Thomas said the team will play either Monday or Tuesday.