The lineup tinkering and shifting around is usually over once state tournament berths are on the line, and Western Albemarle’s girls squad has put together a formidable lineup this year.
That group was locked in Tuesday as the Warriors swept Cave Spring 5-0 on the road in the Region 3A West semifinals to earn a spot in the 3A state playoffs.
“I’m so proud of how this team keeps stepping up and shining in the biger stages,” said Western coach Ellen Markowitz via email. “Everyone’s playing at such a high level right now.”
Lauren Kearns had to battle at No. 3 singles, saving three set points in her first set tiebreaker to win 7-6 (7) over Cave Spring’s Veronica Hamilton. No. 1 and No. 2 Emily Kochard and Maddy Ix were on point as well, winning convincingly in their matches. Stephanie Barton and Savannah Diamond picked up wins to complete the 5-0 win for the Warriors.
The Warriors (21-0) now get ready for a rematch with Conference 23 foe Spotswood Thursday at 11 a.m. at Western in the Region 3A West final.
Western 5, Cave Spring 0
Singles
1. Emily Kochard (WAHS) def. Fallon Delp (CSHS), 6-3, 6-2
2. Maddy Ix (WAHS) def. Kelsey Dickerson (CSHS), 6-0, 6-2
3. Lauren Kearns (WAHS) vs. Veronica Hamilton (CSHS), 7-6 (7), 6-1
4. Stephanie Barton (WAHS) def. Bianca Roman (CSHS) 6-0, 6-4
5. Christy Goldsmith (CSHS) led Maggie Roesch (WAHS), 6-0, 2-5, DNF
6. Savannah Diamond (WAHS) def. Cait Flippen (CSHS), 6-2, 6-0
