Staff report

MOUNT ULLA — West Rowan’s tennis team played without No. 1 player Autumn Yount on Monday but was able to advance in the 3A dual team tennis state playoffs.

Yount is part of West’s Future Famers of America contingent that is in Indianapolis this week for the national convention.

West still won 6-0 against 19th-seeded South Point in a first-round matchup. Doubles usually aren’t played in the dual team playoffs if the outcome has been determined by the singles matches.

Emma Crider, Olyvia Brown, Lucy Moore, Alley Suggs and Laney Moore moved up a seed for the Falcons, with Finley Wassenhove stepping in at No. 6.

“We jumped out on them pretty good in the first sets,” West coach John Brown said. “The second sets were a lot tougher after South Point settled in, but the girls got it done.”

Crider won 6-1, 6-3 at No. 1.

“There are girls with more impressive strokes, but she sticks around and beats some people it doesn’t look she can beat,” Brown said. “She’ll find a way to win.”

Next for the Falcons is a trip to Winston-Salem to play third-seeded Atkins on Wednesday. Yount will still be out of action.

Atkins is very strong and easily handled Central Cabarrus on Monday.

Lake Norman Charter is the No. 1 seed in the 3A West bracket and is expected to make it through the bracket to the state championship match.

Northwest Cabarrus won a first-round match on Monday, beating Foard 5-4.

•••

Salisbury had a  bye on Monday and will be at home on Wednesday for a second-round match in 2A.