By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The Union City boys claimed first place among 20 teams in their first official meet of the season.
Advertised as a one-mile race, the actual course was less than three-quarters of that – according to UC head coach Thel Taylor.
Nonetheless, Madix Turner finished fourth and joined Brody Fields (7th) as a medalist.
Camden Watts earned a ribbon for third place in the jayvee race, and Stephen Herrell also was honored with a fifth-place showing.
The Twisters will compete at Dyersburg next Monday.
Jessica Graham was a winner in her official return to the Union City High School volleyball program.
Graham, the all-time winningest coach in the brief history of UC’s fortunes, began her third tenure with the Lady Tornadoes by leading the Purple and Gold to a 3-0 season-opening win at Trenton Monday.
Union City won 25-14, 25-22, and 25-10.
“One of our big sayings is to ‘do your job,’” insisted Graham, who piloted the Twister girls to their first-ever state tournament in 2017. “We are working hard to build our confidence and to make a change.
“These girls are special and have all of the tools to do big things this season. We are just taking it one match at a time.”
Addison Carr helped UC get off to a good start Monday with 13 assists, nine service aces, two saves, and a pair of kills. Brianna McBride had five kills, four digs, and two saves, while Gracelyn Sims registered a team-high nine kills. Clare Atwill contributed a half-dozen digs.
Madie Theobald had four assists and three kills, and Ca’Lae Ervin was good for three aces, a pair of kills, and two digs.
Union City recorded 15 service aces and 18 assists as a team.
The Lady Tornadoes are on the road again today, playing at Paducah Tilghman.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
Union City’s boys’ team posted a strong third-place finish among 13 schools to field teams in the annual Trojan Invitational at The Farms in Dyersburg on Monday.
Despite windy conditions and fast greens, the Tornadoes shot 327 in the 18-hole event. Only Westview (306) and Jackson Christian School (308) posted better scores than UC.
Also fielding teams were Brighton, Covington, Dyer County, Dyersburg, Gibson County, Milan, Madison, Scots Hill, USJ, and Trinity Christian Academy. A number of other schools put individuals in the field.
Gavin McGuire fired a 76 to pace the Twisters and finished in a tie for 5th individually. Finn Frankum shot 82, Brody Riley came in with an 83, and Copeland Chism carded an 86.
The Union City girls were sixth among nine schools, coming in with a 214. TCA won the tourney with 182.
Alli Kate Frilling shot 97 for the Lady Tornadoes, and Madi Pate and Carley Frilling each finished at 117.
Union City is set to play at Trenton today.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOFTBALL
South Fulton 10, UC 5
Six Lady Tornado errors led to seven SF unearned runs and sent Union City to its fifth loss in as many games.
Annie Beth Cruce had a triple and double and scored twice for the Twister girls. Maddie Steward crossed the plate twice, and Averi Riley tripled and drove in a run. Ella Grace Howell also accounted for a ribbie.
Only one of the seven runs charged to pitcher Austyn Dilday was earned. Riley tossed the final two frames.
Union City will host Hillcrest today at 5 p.m.