For the first time in school history, the Owensboro Catholic boys’ team advanced to the semi-finals of the team State Tournament, beating Madisonville North Hopkins 3-0 and Greenwood 3-1. In the opener, the Aces doubles teams of Joseph Merchant and Houston Danzer and Luke Pfeifer and Ben Haines both won, while Henry Haines won his singles match.
In the second round against Greenwood, the doubles teams Danzer and Ben Haines and John Wathen and Henry Haines both won, while Ollie Haines won in singles.
“It means a lot and we have come a long way. I couldn’t have done it without our coaches,” Owensboro Catholic head coach Noel Clayton said. “I am happy for the kids and am happy that the hard work pays off. They have worked hard all year and through some adversity.”
Tomorrow at 10:50 am ET, the Aces are set to face Paul Laurence Dunbar, whom they narrowly lost to earlier this season.
“We just need to come out of the same kind of energy we came out with today in our second match and we will see what happens,” Clayton said
In the girls’ team tournament, the Lady Panthers beat Hazard 3-0 in their opener before losing to Central Hardin 3-1. Against Hazard, the doubles teams of Maddie Meyer and Alexa Salamah and Ellas Boswell and Ellie Dever both won, while Jenna Faulkner won in singles. Against Central Hardin, Faulkner won her singles match (6-2, 6-1).
“We made it to the Quarterfinals of team state which is very impressive for our first year making it,” Daviess County head coach Dylan McDuffee said. “I couldn’t be prouder of this team. I think finishing the season 18-1 is all down to the players, not just the talent, but the chemistry they had as a team. They played with heart in every single match. It has been a special season, and I feel lucky to have coached such a dedicated group. We are only going to be better next year.”
