Lawrence Academy’s tennis team had Saturday’s date marked on the calendar — or at least Coach Michelle Tynch did.
“Once I found out the date, I put it on my calendar and didn’t schedule anything else,” Tynch said.
What was happening Saturday? The N.C. Independent School Athletic Association Tennis Championships.
They included three Edenton residents — Abby Tynch, Eloise Haigler and Emily May.
The Warriors, seeded No. 1, made the state title tilt for the second time in three years — and this time they brought home the gold. Lawrence defeated Tarheel Independent Conference rival Northeast Academy to claim the championship trophy.
“There is an immeasurable amount of joy that comes with winning a state championship,” Lawrence No. 3 seed Eloise Haigler said. “I am so grateful for this team and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Go Warriors!”
The Warriors had just six on their roster this year and each of them contributed to a season in which they won 18 matches. They included seniors Sarah Corey, Abby Tynch and Ella Swain.
“I’m so thankful for this season and the friendships made through it,” Corey said. “Winning the state championship made my last match after seven years of tennis unforgettable.”
Lawrence started the championship match by winning two of the three doubles’ contests.
No. 1 doubles team Olivia Pritt and Eloise Haigler took the first victory, followed by the No. 2 team of Abby Tynch and Sarah Corey.
Northeast Academy’s Presley Deane Ordnung and Lindy Brown won the third doubles contest, leaving the Warriors with a 2-1 edge heading into the singles’ rounds.
There, No. 2 seed Tynch and No. 3 seed Haigler secured their wins as did No. 6 seed Emily May as Lawrence won.
“The feeling of winning the fifth match is something I will cherish forever,” Abby Tynch said. “I wouldn’t have wanted my last season to end in any other way.”
Pritt echoed those sentiments.
“The championship doubles match was the best match of my life,” she said. “I have never had more fund playing tennis.”
Coach Michelle Tynch said she was proud of her six players and their accomplishments.
“I’m so proud of the girls,” she said. “They didn’t give up and worked hard all season. We came close last year and to come back and make it was special.
“With only six players, we were always concerned about injury, but thankfully that didn’t happen,” she added.
Tynch said it was special to play another league team in the finals. She said a TIC team has reached the finals for four years running.
“It was nice to play people you have fun playing and are friendly with — people you are happy that they made it too,” she said.
The championship redeemed a loss in the finals two years ago and gave the Warriors a win of which they are proud.
“I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to play with this amazing group of girls and win a state championship. Go LA!,” said junior Emily May.
It was especially meaningful for the three seniors — Corey, Tynch and Swain.
“Obviously, one of them is my daughter, but they are all like my daughters,” Michelle Tynch said. “I’ve driven them to just about every tennis match for the last few years.
“It is great to see them have this moment and for all their hard work to pay off,” she added.
Swain wrapped up the sentiments.
“There is no better way to end our senior season,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to experience this with any other group of girls.”