Cox Boys & Girls Win Tennis Region Crown
Friday's 5-0 decision gave Cox its third straight region crown and fourth in five years. The Falcons also advanced to the Group AAA state team tournament, where they will open by hosting Northwest Region runner-up Fauquier on May 30.
A 3-1 third-set tiebreaker deficit and a dangerous Great Bridge opponent would create pressure for anyone except Falcon Chet Mayo. To him, this was the best situation he could be in. "I love that situation," Mayo said. Best known for his exploits on the Cox volleyball team, Mayo rattled off the final six points of the match to nail down another Eastern Region boys tennis title for the Falcons.
The Lady Falcons gave up only 11 games, dispatching Western Branch 5-0 in Friday's region final at Huntington Park. Defending state champion Cox will host the Northwest runner-up on May 30, while the Bruins, who will be making their first appearance in the state tournament, travel to the Northwest champion. Fauquier and Battlefield competed in the Northwest final. Cox (15-0) has beaten everyone in its path this season, including Menchville and Hickory earlier this week in the region tournament, and has only had one dual - a 5-4 decision over last year's state finalist Mills Godwin - be decided by doubles.
On Friday, Abbey Wexel, playing No. 4 singles, was first off the court, dismissing Katie Bevan 6-0, 6-2. Kirra Summers followed, surrendering only a game to Veronica Fischer at No. 3 singles. The only match where Cox struggled came from Beach District champion Shannon Rogers, who cruised 6-1 in the first set over Southeastern District champ Jenny Astbury before suddenly trailing 2-5 in the second.
