After a great year on the courts, it was time for the 1A tennis sectionals. This year, the sectionals tournament was held here in Herrin, and after being rained out of Friday, the girls were ready to play on Saturday. Herrin placed second in a thrilling day of competition, with many Tiger athletes playing well, and three athletes qualifying for state.

Among nine different schools, Herrin finished second, just one point behind Marion. On the singles side, senior Reagan Ridgway finished first and qualified for state. Ridgway won every set and match she played, sweeping five different sets, and had only one set go into an extra game, which she won 7-5. Overall, Ridgway qualified for state for her fourth straight year, as well as won the sectional tournament for the fourth straight year. Ridgway is the schools leader in career wins.

On the doubles side, senior Bryndle Burks and her partner, sophomore Kelby Weber, placed second. Though they didn’t sweep any matches, Burks and Weber were still dominant through the entire meet. They did go to one tiebreaker, but they managed to come out on top. However, Burks and Weber last their last two matches, placing them in second overall. Even with these loses and a second place finish, Burks and Weber qualified for state. This is the best a Herrin doubles team has ever placed in the sport. For Burks, she picked up her 64th win in the third round, which moves her up to second on the career wins list, behind Ridgway.

For the state tournament, Ridgway will be competing at Buffalo Grove High School. Burks and Weber will be competing at Rolling Meadows High School. Play starts Thursday and continues through Saturday. We wish Ridgway, Burks and Weber the best of luck at state!