SALISBURY – The match wasn’t really in doubt when Salisbury’s Kathryn Rusher finished her 6-3, 4-6, 12-10 victory at No.6 singles Monday.
But you would have thought Salisbury would have just won the state title after her teammates reacted by storming her for a post-victory embrace. Rusher’s victory meant no more time in the biting cold.
“It’s an individual sport but year in, year out, you can see the camaraderie,” Salisbury coach Chris Myers said after the Hornets prevailed 5-1 against Cuthbertson in the third round of the NCHSAA 2A playoffs. Salisbury will take on Brevard in the West final. Salisbury improved it’s record to 19-2 in search of its fifth straight 2A state crown.
Taking the place of Madeline Hoskins, Rusher won the longest match of the day between her and Caytie Clemons to wrap up the action in singles play.
“I heard them call out the doubles team and I was like ‘oh gosh,'” Rusher said. “If I don’t win this, I’m going to have to play another match.”
“That’s a tough way to get thrown into it,” Myers said. “Cuthbertson’s been a top 10 team all year long.
Cuthberston’s Kallie Karas, a Wofford signee, punched the only win for the Cavaliers in a 6-0, 6-3 decision against Katelyn Storey. Storey and teammate Anna Flynn were coming off a second-place performance at the state individual doubles championship.
“I made a few unforced errors,” Storey said. “The second set I tried to hang with her. Overall, I thought I played well.”
Alexandra Drye defeated Caroline Hensley 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 and Anna Flynn beat previously unbeaten Carra Clemons 6-1, 6-1. Cuthbertson finished the year 13-2.
“They’ve got a good team up and down,” Cuthbertson coach Todd Clemons said. “When it’s like this outside, both teams have to tough it up and do the best we can.”
Sallie Kate Meyerhoeffer and Kayla Honeycutt also enjoyed 6-0, 6-0 wins.
Brevard brought five players to the individual championships and will likely be the toughest test Salisbury has had to date. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, weather permitting.