Amid shifting priorities and lineup adjustments, the Parkersburg and Parkersburg South tennis teams showcased their adaptability during a recent match at Erickson All-Sports Facility. With several players stepping into new roles, the Big Reds achieved a comprehensive 7-0 victory over the Patriots in both boys' and girls' divisions. This triumph followed an impressive win against top-ranked Hurricane, underscoring Parkersburg's depth and resilience. Players like Manny Tewodros demonstrated remarkable versatility by excelling in higher positions, while Parkersburg South’s duo of Zach Farnsworth and Michael Kestner displayed strong teamwork despite the loss.
In a display of strategic prowess, Parkersburg capitalized on its deep roster to secure victories across singles and doubles matches. Coach Eric Stanley highlighted the boys’ team as particularly balanced, noting that their top eight players are nearly indistinguishable in skill level. Manny Tewodros, usually ranked third in singles, claimed a decisive 8-1 victory over Farnsworth in the No. 1 singles category. Partnering with Truman Roberts, Tewodros also contributed to an 8-3 triumph in doubles play. His sister Liya, paired with Emma Stanley, added another significant win in girls' No. 1 doubles.
The intensity of competition was evident in individual matchups. For instance, Liya Tewodros faced stiff resistance from Parkersburg South’s Sami McKinney in the No. 1 singles contest. The match initially remained close until Tewodros surged ahead with five consecutive games. Despite McKinney’s valiant effort to narrow the gap, she ultimately fell short with an 8-4 scoreline. Meanwhile, Farnsworth and Kestner exhibited commendable chemistry in doubles, challenging PHS throughout the encounter. Their cohesive partnership, honed over years of collaboration, ensured they pushed their opponents to the limit.
Parkersburg South’s athletes demonstrated admirable perseverance amidst adversity. Farnsworth emphasized the importance of net presence in doubles, while acknowledging the difficulty of facing Manny Tewodros in singles due to his powerful serves and return shots. On the girls' side, coach Stanley praised the youthful energy of his team, which includes seven freshmen among twelve members. Though inexperienced, these players continue to grow through rigorous competition against formidable adversaries.
Beyond the scoresheet, this match underscored the value of adaptability and teamwork in high school tennis. Both Parkersburg and Parkersburg South exhibited qualities essential for long-term success—whether it be leveraging experienced talent or nurturing emerging stars. As the season progresses, these lessons will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of each program, setting the stage for future achievements on the court.