BROOKLET - Last week proved to be a resounding success for the Southeast Bulloch High School varsity tennis program as both the girls' and boys' squads triumphed in the first round of the AAA State Tennis Championships, securing their spots in the second round.
The state ranked SEB Girls' Tennis team showcased their dominance at home, sweeping Dougherty County with a decisive 3-0 victory. The second doubles team of Addie Smith and Laina Erickson set the tone with an astonishingly quick 6-0, 6-0 win in under 20 minutes. Shortly after, the first doubles pair, Sydney Kate Aaron and Lydia Fowler, mirrored their teammates' success with an equally dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory. Rylee Veland then clinched the overall win for the girls with a swift 6-0, 6-0 defeat of her opponent at first singles. Although their matches were not completed, second singles player Anna Grace Bosley and third singles player Addy Gray were well on their way to victory, each having secured their first sets 6-0 and leading 5-0 in their second sets when play was halted.
Meanwhile, the Region Champion SEB Boys’ Tennis Team faced a tougher challenge against Richmond Academy but ultimately prevailed 3-1. Second singles player Liam Melton provided an early spark, quickly dispatching his opponent 6-1, 6-1. The first doubles match featuring Jacob Dilas and Brodie Barron proved to be a hard-fought contest, with the SEB duo taking the first set 6-2, dropping the second 4-6, but rallying to win the decisive third set 6-3. Third singles player Riley Clifton then clinched the team victory in a long and intense match, battling his way to a 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 win.
Following their impressive first-round victories, both varsity teams will have the advantage of hosting their second-round matches at home on Monday, April 28. The girls' team is set to face White County High School at 3 pm, while the boys' team will host North Hall High School at 4:30 pm.
The Southeast Bulloch community will undoubtedly be eager to support their talented tennis players as they continue their journey in the 2025 AAA state championships.
