HS Tennis: Highlander Tennis Scores District Title on Tuesday at College Park

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The College Park Cavaliers hosted The Woodlands Highlanders in a battle on the tennis courts to determine the District 13-6A Championship on Tuesday.

Both teams entered their matches as top 10 teams in Texas. Bragging rights, the title, and a better shot come the state tournament were all on the line as the players set out to their respective courts.

In an exclusive interview with The Woodlands Online Sports, Highlander Head Coach Kevin McIlvain spoke on how his athletes have prepared for the high-stakes affair.

“It’s been really hard this summer with the amount of heat and the regulations we have to follow,” said McIlvain. “But we just make sure we do the simple things every day. Practice getting better on the simple things, moving your feet, hitting the ground strokes, working on the volleys, and overheads.”

Similarly, College Park Head Coach Robert Klein faced issues with keeping his team in shape through the adverse conditions. But an excellent squad emerged that took control of the district and aimed for its shot at the title.

“With us, it comes down to knowing when to take breaks and not overdoing it,” explained Klein. “We have parents that treat these kids great because they know it starts at the home. It all goes a long way.”

With the teams prepared and having received their pep talks, the players took to their respective courts and awaited the start of their matches.

The matches were split up as follows: Three boys’ doubles, three girls’ doubles, two mixed doubles, six boys’ doubles, and six girls’ doubles.

The winner of each match added a point to their team’s total, and the team with the most points accumulated at the end of play would be dubbed the winner and District Champion.

A rivalry matchup between 13-6A’s iconic rivals was an opportunity that seemed too fitting to be true, but both teams knew that more than a title was riding on the outcome of their matches.

“It is fitting and we’re geared up to go pick a target out there,” said Klein. “There’s nobody else we’d rather beat, period.”

The sentiment was the same across the way from Coach McIlvain, but a greater emphasis on how these rivals bring out the better qualities in one another was an interesting note.

“Us two have been the top two teams in the district probably since the day [College Park] opened, so it’s always nice to come out and compete against these guys,” said McIlvain. “It’s nice to be able to compete and have a friendly rivalry where we aren’t at each other or jealous of one another. We just bring the best out of each other.”

With the players amped and ready, their matches began with shouts of effort and outbursts of exhilaration following each point scored.

Here are the final results from Tuesday’s competition:

Boys’ Doubles:

#1: Winner: The Woodlands 2-1

#2: Winner: College Park 2-0

#3: Winner: The Woodlands 2-1

Girls’ Doubles:

#1: Winner: The Woodlands 2-0

#2: Winner: The Woodlands 2-0

#3: Winner: College Park 2-1

Mixed Doubles:

#1: Winner: College Park 2-1

ALT.: Winner: The Woodlands 2-1

After calculating doubles play, the Highlanders went up 4-2 over the hosting Cavaliers. The preparation during the preseason and against other district opponents was paying off for McIlvain and his athletes.

Through the adversity, the heat, and the sweat, The Woodlands gained a lead that continued to push the athletes through the toughest parts of their sets.

“We really encourage them to give their best effort week in and week out,” said McIlvain. “If they start to look fatigued, making sure they’re hydrated and talking to one another between points is something that they can rally behind.”

Boys’ Singles:

#1: Winner: College Park

#2: Winner: The Woodlands

#3: Winner: The Woodlands

#4: Winner: The Woodlands

#5: Winner: College Park

#6: Winner: The Woodlands

A dominant stretch from the Highlanders on the Boys’ Singles front gave the team another convincing boost on the final score. Their four wins to two tallied the cumulative scores at 8-4 with The Woodlands holding firm in the lead.

But with their backs against the wall, Coach Klein and the Cavaliers went back on their practiced tendencies and tried to dig for the qualities that have earned the team a top-10 ranking in the state.

“It’s not their first rodeo,” said Klein. “You’ll get some emotions going, and that’s where we have to do a good job in handling that. We’re in the position, win or lose, where I’m very proud to know that we competed our rear ends off.”

Girls’ Singles:

#1: Winner: The Woodlands

#2: Winner: The Woodlands

#3: Winner: The Woodlands

#4: Winner: College Park

The mathematical race to the best of 19 was finally finished by The Woodlands following another convincing showing in the singles. The Lady Highlanders’ control in their matches pushed the final score to 12-7, with The Woodlands now dubbed District Champions.

Congratulations to Coach McIlvain and The Woodlands Highlanders on their accomplishments, and College Park and Coach Klein for being gracious hosts for an entertaining afternoon.