After becoming the first freshman to qualify for the state tournament, Cedar Ridge freshman Ivy Garner has been named to the All-Big 8 team for girls tennis.
Garner was the number one singles player for a Cedar Ridge team that finished third in the Big 8 Conference. In a stacked Big 8 conference which featured 3A Eastern Regional Champion East Chapel Hill and perennial power Chapel Hill, Garner provided a steady presence for the Red Wolves, who finished 13-6, 11-4 in the Big 8. Garner was at her best during the 3A Mideast Regionals, where she advanced to the championship match.
Garner won her opening singles match over April Harrington of Grays Creek 6-1, 6-0. In the quarterfinals, Garner knocked off Emma Hilburn of Northern Guilford 6-1, 6-0. In the semfinals, Garner won a the only three-set match of the championship round, beating Northern Guilford’s Emily Callahan 7-5, 2-6, 6-4.
In the 3A state tournament, Garner was the #2 seed from the Big 8. Garner was also a member of Cedar Ridge’s top doubles team with Olivia Ward.
Joining Garner on the All-Big 8 team from Cedar Ridge was senior Kate Milner, who was the #3 singles player. Milner was also a force in doubles with partner Brianna Celine. Milner and Celine qualified for the 3A Mideast Regionals. This is the 2nd time that Milner has made all-conference. As a junior, Milner helped Cedar Ridge win its first Big 8 Championship in school history and advanced to the 3rd round of the 3A State Dual Team playoffs.
Cedar Ridge senior Maddie Warner and sophomore Olivia Ward were named as Honorable Mention performers.
The Orange Panthers had two players make the All-Big 8 team. Senior Caroline Branan spent the season as the #1 singles player for the Panthers. Emma Williamson was the #2 singles player.
Orange’s Payton Clayton was named Honorable Mention.
After advancing the Big 8 Championship and advancing to the state championship match, East Chapel Hill swept the individual awards. The Wildcats’ Savannah Bright was named Big 8 Player of the Year. Wildcats coach Nick Walker, a native of Caldwell who previously coached at Orange and Stanford Middle School, was named Big 8 Coach of the Year.