Monday afternoon the Lady Cats tennis team faced off against Kell for the final four, where they lost after a long, hard fought battle. Although they lost, the team was not disappointed as they met their personal goal this year and were proud of the season they had.

Coach Amy Thomas said the girls had a great year.

“We made it to Elite Eight last year, and our personal goal was to make it beyond that and we achieved that,” she said.

The team hated to lose, but Thomas acknowledged they lost to better team.

“Anybody who came out today saw that our girls gave it their all and then some,” she said.

Number three singles, Gracie Surratt narrowly lost to opponent, Samantha Norman in a 6-7, 1-0 set. Number two doubles, Sarah Caroline Darley and Anna Marie Hall also fought hard and came up just short in 4-6, 0-3 loss against Abby Johnson and Sam Goss.

Thomas admitted that some of their competition grew up going to tennis academies and have truly poured every resource into becoming the best, but she knows her team can become great if given the time and outside resources.

Thomas was sad to see her three seniors play their last match and she knows they can never be replaced, but she is excited for the future.

“We will make adjustments and move forward,” she said. “I know there are girls who will step up and take on these leadership roles.”

The team was sad to see the season come to an end on Monday, but finished on one final “cat call” and chanted Lady Cats on three one last time before a group hug.

They will have their awards banquet on May 14 at the Bainbridge Country Club to spotlight the players for a great season.