Wildcats earn school's first-ever win in state tennis playoffs

For the first time in the history of Woodland High School’s boys tennis program, the Wildcats won a state playoff match.

Woodland blanked visiting Clarke Central Tuesday evening “on the banks of the Etowah” for an opening round win in the Class AAAAA state tournament.

Woodland clinched the match by winning all three singles matches.

Bryce VanOrder, Blake Bottegal, and Connor Gunnell all had straight set victories.

The Wildcats’ doubles teams also won for a clean 5-0 sweep.

Alex Banta and Hayden Lusk narrowly escaped 7-5, 7-6 [7-5] at Line 1 doubles, while Max Costlow and Noah Pirkle pulled out a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win at Line 2 doubles.

The Wildcats, a 2-seed, will play the winner of the first round match between Chamblee and North Springs. Woodland will travel if Chamblee wins and will host the second round if North Springs wins.

Sweet Sixteen round matches are scheduled to be completed by April 26.

BUFORD GIRLS 3, WOODLAND 0

The Woodland girls tennis team had their season end Tuesday in the first round of the Class AAAAA state tournament with a 3-0 loss at Buford.

The host Wolves won at Line 1 and Line 2 singles and picked up their third point to end the match at Line 2 doubles.