Multiple students from Midland Trinity School participated in the TAPPS 4A State Tournament from April 7 to 8 in Waco after competing at their district competition.
The girls team placed fourth with a total of 10.5 points. Enqi Zhang won her first singles match before falling in the quarterfinals of the tennis tournament. Girls doubles teams Gigi Molina and Joanna Thomas, and Lauren Bledsoe and Sofia Garza each advanced past the first round but were defeated in close quarterfinal matches. Both boys doubles Matthew Slatken and Marshall Morgan, and Riley belz and Jacob kaczor competed in the round of 16 but were unable to advance.
“I was proud of every member of this team because they all brought their own individual strengths, contributed, and came together as a team in singles and doubles,” Trinity Coach Janneke Garros said. “They should have been very proud of their accomplishments, results, and how they represented Trinity School on the courts.”
Molina and Thomas, who made their third state trip together, credited their chemistry and friendship for their success. “She’s always so supportive, no matter what happens,” Thomas said. “We just keep each other grounded.”
Coach Garros said the competition was especially tough this year. In 3A, the top eight qualified for state, while only the top four advanced in 4A. Despite that, she said her players were focused and ready.
Trinity’s season included both new players and experienced ones who aimed for a return to state. “We’ve worked hard all season,” Garros said. “They know what’s at stake.”
Photo: Top Row left: Gigi Molina (sr.), middle left Richard Black (sr.-alternate), middle left Matthew Slatken (sr.), middle left Marshall Morgan (jr.) middle, Jacob Kaczor (so.) middle right, Riley Belz (so.)middle right, Ray Qi (sr.-State singles alternate)middle right, Andrew Martin (so.-alternate) right. Bottom row Olivia Dobson (fr.-alternate) left, Kim Bui (sr.-team manager) middle left, Ava Overby (so.-State singles alternate)middle left, Rayven Kidd (jr.-alternate) middle, Enqi Zhang (jr.) middle right, Joanna Thomas (sr.-Captain)middle right, Sofia Gil (sr.)middle right, Lauren Blaylock (sr.) right.