Hooks-Yelverton clinch match point against DH Conley

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on May 8, 2013 1:46 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- A narrow escape.

Chas Hooks-Jackson Yelverton secured the match-clinching point in doubles and lifted Charles B. Aycock to a 5-4 victory over D.H. Conley during second-round action of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A dual-team tennis playoffs on Tuesday afternoon.

The Golden Falcons (13-5 overall) advanced to the elite eight for the first time since 2009 when they finished eastern runner-up to perennial power Southern Nash.

Conley concluded the year 12-7.

"We were very fortunate to win the match because D.H. Conley has three very good doubles teams," said Aycock head coach Luke Vail. "Chas and Jackson stepped up big for the second week in a row. Their aggressive play at the net was the difference in the match."

The second-seeded Hooks-Yelverton controlled the tempo and handed the Vikings' tandem of Casey Lohner-John Hodges a 10-4 setback.

Hooks defeated Hodges 6-3, 6-3 at No. 3 singles. Yelverton posted a straight-set shutout over Erin Bautista at the No. 4 slot. Teammates Addison Vail and Stanton Head prevailed in straight-set fashion at Nos. 2 and 6 singles.

"I was really pleased with the play of Addison, Chas, Jackson and Stanton in singles," coach Vail said. "Their consistent play gave us the opportunity to win the match in doubles. (Conley's) conference is pretty good because Washington knocked out Eastern Wayne and they were the second-place team.

"Conley was right there with Washington ... wasn't much difference."

Aycock has won 11 of its last 12 matches after starting the season 2-4. The Golden Falcons face either No. 4-ranked Chapel Hill or No. 8-ranked South Central in the eastern semifinals next Tuesday.

"I am proud of what this team has accomplished," Vail said. "It's been a nice finish to the season. We've been able to regroup and play really well over the last half of the season."