Faith freshmen bring home state championship in girls doubles
The tradition of the Faith Academy of Marble Falls tennis team earning a state championship continued thanks to a pair of left-handed freshmen.
Ryan Delmonico and Jaden Turrentine went 4-0 in girls doubles at the Class 2A state meet of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools April 6-7 to win it all.
Because the duo are freshmen, they didn’t receive a seed, which is given based on past history at the tournament. Still, it didn’t matter to them, who also won the district championship by going 4-0.
“I sent in a short blurb to get them seeded,” Faith head coach David Marsh said. “I don’t remember them dropping a match against any of the girls doubles teams during the season. We let them play against the boys in mixed doubles. They held their own.”
The two “are best buddies” off the court, which explains much of their success, Marsh said.
“They asked if they could play doubles,” he said. “Their chemistry was immediate. They’re both left-handed, and opponents hate that when they see it. Other lefties don’t like it either. Their communication on the court is amazing. They can read each other.”
The two also take academics seriously though they’re not yet old enough to be considered for academic all-state honors.
Connor Turrentine, Jaden’s older brother, and Kendall Mason each won bronze medals in boys and girls singles thanks to each posting a 3-1 record. They also received academic all-state honors. Mason also was awarded the Sportsmanship Award as voted on by the coaches.
“She hasn’t been playing as long as the others, but Kendall loves it,” Marsh said. “She was so excited and happy.”
Connor Turrentine and Michaela Adcox, who also was academic all-state, were the captains, and Marsh credited them for a great season.
“Michaela was my right-hand lady,” he said. “She was everything a captain should be.”
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