From Rome News-Tribune, published 4/16/08
Darlington must’ve felt a strong sense of déjà vu Tuesday when the boys and girls both won the 7-AA region tournament.
The region finals were a mirror image of last year’s event when the Tigers defeated Adairsville and the Lady Tigers took down Calhoun. This season, the girls, who along with the boys, finished region play 8-0, defeated Calhoun 3-2 in the final, with the boys shutting out Adairsville 5-0.
“The girls performed unbelievably,” said Darlington coach Leanne Mann who is hoping for a longer stay in the state tourney since last season’s early exit. “There was much more pressure than I anticipated.”
Natalie Maffett got things going for the Lady Tigers in No. 1 singles with a 7-6, 6-1 win against Savannah Konter. Calhoun evened the score in the No. 2 spot when Kate Hutchinson shut out Kate Waters 6-0, 6-0. Katherine Knight finished up singles play with a 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 win against Jodie Rice.
In doubles action, Darlington (12-4) sealed the win at the No. 1 spot when Caroline Coble and Katie Stout beat Mallory Dean and Mackenzie Kessler 6-1, 6-3. Calhoun’s Presley Nance and Stephanie Gibson won the second doubles match 6-4, 7-6 against Lauren Hudson and Ali Harton.
For Darlington’s (13-4) boys, Rea Law took down Tanner Smith 6-4, 6-0 in No. 1 singles, followed by a 6-2, 6-4 win for Elliott Echols over Chris Davidson. Preston Cobb won in the No. 3 position against Taylor Smith, 6-2, 6-2. Lee Cantrell and Mac Gilliland teamed up for a 7-6, 6-2 win against Eric Elrod and Dylan Hortman, 7-6, 6-2. In No. 2 doubles, Jason Lu and Drew Fuller defeated Zach Knapp and Landon Hamby 6-1, 6-3.
“The guys played really well,” Darlington coach Dan Bishop said. “They did what needed to do. Adairsville is a team that can be really dangerous, but we took care of what we needed to do."
Both teams made it to the second round of the state playoffs.
Natalie Maffett
