Burnet girls doubles win district title again
CAPTION: Burnet tennis partners Tatum Salinas (left) and Aly Van Zandt wear the gold medals for winning the 2024 District 24-4A girls doubles title. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Burnet High School girls doubles team of Tatum Salinas and Aly Van Zandt repeated as District 24-4A champions.
It’s senior Salinas’ fourth title and junior Van Zandt’s second. Salinas’ partner during the 2021 and 2022 seasons was Van Zandt’s older sister Annika.
The two advanced to the Class 4A state tournament year ago. They lost in the first round.
“It’s another last trip to go to state,” Salinas said. “The last (district title) is easier.”
“The nerves are gone cause we’ve won the past two years,” Van Zandt said.
Aside from their ability to play the sport, the two say a commitment to doing one task is the key to their success.
“She’s very good at communicating every point,” Salinas said. “She talks and says what we need to do.”
“It’s amazing,” Van Zandt said. “I’ve never had a partner as awesome. I think she is good at communicating. She looks at the opponent and sees ways to help me and ways to beat them.”
The two had several family members and friends in attendance to cheer them on and witness their district crown. They pointed out their success wouldn’t be possible without the support of their families and friends.
After competing at the state meet already, the two said the goal of competing there again hasn’t changed.
“There are so many people who are playing so well,” Van Zandt said. “It’s nerve wrecking.”
“You get to see all these people from across the state,” Salinas said. “It’s a fun experience.”
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