The Vikes looked to continue their incredible run this season by qualifying players for the individual state tournament. CA already clinched a berth for the team state tournament but was hoping to cap off the year by sending a few individuals to represent the school at the huge contest. Academy did just that, sending three of its seven varsity players to the state tournament.

Sophomore Sydni Ratliff breezed through the district tournament and won the state qualifying match 6-0, 6-0. Ratliff will be making her second consecutive state tournament appearance with this win. CA also had a doubles team qualify for the individual state tournament. Carmen Merkel’22 and Lauren Motta’21 had a much tougher road to reaching the state berth. The dynamic duo faced off against fellow teammates Himaja Reddy’19 and Alex Graham’20 in the district title match. It was a fierce battle that lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes. Merkel and Motta came away with the victory with a score of 7-6, 3-6, 7-5.

The Vikes will have a big task ahead of them as they try to capture many state titles. The state tournament will take place on Friday, October 19, and Saturday, October 20, at the Cincinnati ATP Tennis Center.