WCDS boys advance in NCISAA 1A dual-team tennis playoffs

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on May 14, 2014 1:49 PM

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RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

Wayne Country Day likes the new dual-team format -- now.

The Chargers had some concerns in the preseason and wondered if they could succeed when the playoffs rolled around. They got their answer within 45 minutes Tuesday afternoon.

As expected, WCDS flexed its muscles on the doubles courts and used that momentum to defeat Kerr-Vance, 9-0, in quarterfinal-round play of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A dual-team boys' tennis playoffs.

The Chargers (10-3 overall) oppose defending state champion Statesville Christian in semifinal-round play Friday. First serve is 4:30 p.m. on the Barton College Tennis Complex courts in Wilson.

"It feels great to be the first tennis team from our school to win a playoff match in the new format," WCDS senior Miller Gerrard said. "From the start of the season, we thought the new format was going to hurt us. However, we now realize that this new format could help us get to the state championship.

"It was a great overall team effort (today). Everyone played great and was on their 'A' game. Doubles is the strength of our team, but with everyone winning singles, it gives everyone a confidence boost."

Gerrard and doubles mate Michael Knutson collected their team-leading 11th win with an 8-1 decision over the Spartans' Taylor Abbott-William Parrish at the No. 1 spot.

The No. 2 tandem of Sam Dively-Preston Edwards posted an 8-0 shutout, while the No. 3 duo of Hunter Hawkins-Holden Edwards prevailed 8-1.

Knutson, Dively and Gerrard each logged a 6-0, 6-0 shutout in singles action. Fourth-seeded Preston Edwards, fifth-seeded Hawkins and sixth-seeded Nolan Davis combined to drop just three games in their respective straight-set triumphs.

WCDS shut out an opponent for the fourth time this season.

"The idea of competing for a state championship gives me goose bumps every time I think about it," Gerrard said. "I know our entire team is focused on getting there. We know first we have to get through the tennis powerhouse, Statesville.

"We believe we can do it and will be practicing all week to prepare for it."