The Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets girls varsity tennis team had the opportunity to make history on Friday when they hosted Oconee County in the state championship. A hard-fought battle from both teams ended in Oconee County defeating the Lady Jackets 3-1.
Spectators surrounded the Brooklet courts on Friday afternoon when Southeast Bulloch hosted their first state championship in over three decades. After running through their side of the bracket, the top-seeded Lady Jackets faced off against the No. 2 North Oconee Warriors.
North Oconee took a 1-0 lead when Mary Linda Viet defeated Addy Gray in singles. The SEB fans made some noise as Laina Erickson and Addie Smith tied the match up 1-1 with a doubles victory. Moments later, Oconee's Cadence Keese defeated Rylee Veland to take a 2-1 lead.
All eyes moved to the last two games, a doubles match and a singles match. There was plenty of drama in the doubles as SEBs Lydia Fowler and Sydney Kate Aaron battled back to look to tie the match up. On another court SEBs Anna Grace Bosley was matched up with Jenny Hu. Hu was able to get the best of the young Bosley as she clinched the state championship for the Warriors.
The season didn't end the way the Lady Jackets wanted, but there is plenty reason for the girls to keep their heads held high. Head Coach Tommy Lieu spoke on how proud of the girls he was. "It is just a true blessing to be in this position," Leiu said. 'I know there are plenty of teams that would kill to be here. The girls had a great season, a fantastic season."
Southeast Bulloch's girls finished with a 17-2 record in the regular season and earned the top seed in the Class AAA state playoffs. The scary thing about this team is that all of the girls will be back next season. 'It makes me super excited to come back next year, just ready to fire on all cylinders." Coach Lieiu said
After falling in the final 4 last season and being runner-up in the state this season, the next step for the Lady Jackets is to take the whole thing home next year.
