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Wildcats advance to Elite Eight in state tennis
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A solid 4-1 win over a spirited Spalding County team gave the Wildcats claim to the Elite Eight and opened the door to get to the Final Four."

The first off the court was Number Two Doubles of Lee and Chris Noonburg. Lee played spectacular baseline tennis with brother Chris mopping up any answered returns for a 6-0, 6-1 sweep. T

The next to finish was No. 3 singles player Huy Phan. The junior wasted no time in eliminating his opponent 6-0, 6-0. Phan forced errors with service winners and excellent shot selection. The match point came from No. 2 singles player, sophomore Jason Trankle. Trankle played his best match of the year baffling the opposition with strong approach shots and flawless put-aways.

Adding to the team’s victory was No. 1 singles player Michael Zhu. The junior never let his foe into the match, 6-1, 6-1, with crushing serves and timely follow-ups. The No. 3 doubles tandem of Joe Feck and John Rush won in two sets displaying constant hustle and athletics. No. 2 doubles players No. 2 doubles players Nick Balas and Kyle Guither struggled before dropping a hard-fought match lasting three sets.

"The boys wanted this one and the next one more," Coach Rob Paruso said. "They know that in the state playoffs any loss means no tomorrow."

The boys will be home on Friday at noon against a strong Columbus High School team. A victory in that match will send them to the Final Four at Clayton International Park on May 12.

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