Double trouble: FHS tennis
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- Photos by Alan Sloan
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While taking nothing for granted in District 4-2A play, though both his girls and boys teams were undefeated in district entering this week, Gordon Cassidy is hoping both of his Farragut High School varsity tennis teams can reach Sectional play with a chance to be among the state’s final four in Murfreesboro the week before Memorial Day.
With a number of underclassmen making huge contributions to both teams, the coach’s girls team is anchored by its two-time Division 1-2A singles state champion, senior Riley Cassity.
Actually, there’s three seniors at the top of their game.
“I’ve got my three seniors, Riley, Michelle Le (No. 2 singels) and Iris Ye (No. 3 singles), and they haven’t lost a match,” coach Cassity said about his experienced trio.
His granddaughter, Riley began the week ranked No. 4 statewide among all 18-and-under girls players and 69th in the Southeast — leading the Lady Admirals to its district unbeaten feat.
Providing depth at No. 4 singles is sophomore Isha Patel, followed by freshman Ella Ye at No. 5 and Alexandria Vallova at No. 6.
Farragut boys
“The boys have lost in the finals of the district (tournament) two years in a row,” coach Cassidy said about failing to advance past district, having to be the champion to advance into region. “This year, we’ve got a good shot. I don’t want to say we’re going to win (the tournament), but we’re solid from top to bottom.
“I’m probably nine or 10 (players) solid,” he added about depth. “… My five and six players would be probably No. 1 and (No.) 2 players for a lot of the teams.”
Senior Benji Cho is boys No. 1 singles, while senior Leyton Lu is at No. 2.
Freshman Daniel Morgan plays No. 3 singles for Farragut. At No. 4 is another freshman, Moksh Patel.
Junior Derek Diaz is No. 5, while junior Parker Fitzgerald is No. 6.
Pictured: Among the Farragut High School varsity tennis players making huge contributions to their respective gender teams — with both teams unbeaten in Division I District 4-2A entering this week — are junior Rachel Lu, sophomore Anika Patel and sophomore Cooper Cassity. These three helped the FHS teams easily defeat Lenoir City in a district match at the McFee Park courts Friday afternoon, April 19.
