By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The past, the present, and the future of Union City girls’ tennis were all on full display at the district championships.
And the tradition-rich Lady Tornado program looks to be in great shape – both now and down the road.
Gracyn Callicott won her third district singles title, and the freshman doubles tandem of Dani and Davey Frankum surprised seasoned teammates Annie Wade and Shelby Bondurant to claim the 13A doubles championship Tuesday at Bethel University.
The Purple and Gold sweep sends Callicott and both doubles teams to the region individual tournament on May 16. Before that, the Union City girls will compete in the regional team tourney next Thursday, May 12.
With multiple trips to the state tournament in both individual and team play over three decades, the Lady Tornadoes look to be positioned to build on that illustrious history with their present roster that includes both battle-tested players as well as a rising talent pool.
“Our program has been strong. It’s strong now. And the pieces are in place for us to continue to be strong,” UC head coach Tom Sisco said after Tuesday’s championship matches. “We have some kids who’ve been through the wars and have been successful, and we have some others who are just beginning to prove themselves in similar situations.
“There’s talent here. And there’s a work ethic and the desire to get better as well. Days like today when we have multiple girls compete for championships show that our program is in very good shape and will continue to be.”
The doubles championship match pitting Wade and Bondurant against the Frankum sisters was a classic example.
Wade, a senior, and Bondurant, a sophomore, are looking to make a return to the state tournament where they made the semifinals a year ago. And they’re sure to be a factor moving forward, given their postseason experience and burning competitiveness.
They won Tuesday’s first set 6-2, giving them a leg up on a second straight district title.
But the Frankum siblings showed grit and determination and showcased budding confidence by rallying to win five straight games and take the second set 6-2 after trailing 2-1.
A 10-point tiebreaker was then employed – per TSSAA rules – instead of a third set.
There were three ties and a pair of lead changes after multiple volleys between the two teams before Dani and Davey finally prevailed 10-8.
“It didn’t surprise me one bit,” Sisco said. “We knew that Annie and Shelby had the experience advantage and had been our No. 1 doubles team all year. But the twins had gained a ton of valuable court time playing at the No. 3 spot, and they’re just such bulldogs in the way they compete.
“They’re so athletic that they get to a lot of shots that most other players couldn’t. The moment was never too big for them, and they just kept grinding. I have no doubt that the match will make both teams better moving forward.”
Both teams had claimed straight-set victories in the quarterfinals and semis on Monday before Tuesday’s instant classic.
There was no such drama for Callicott, who dominated Huntingdon’s Jeanna Magee 6-0, 6-0 to win her third district championship in as many tries. Only COVID-19, which canceled spring sports two years ago, kept the Lady Tornado senior from a possible four-peat.
She repeatedly kept Magee on the run with well-placed shots, both deep and just over the net.
Over five sets in the district tourney, Callicott lost just four games.
“Gracyn just put on a clinic,” Sisco said of his standout singles performer. “She was perfect.
“She showcased all types of shots, and she was in complete control from start to finish. I’m very proud of her today and for what she’s accomplished in her career.”
UC sophomore Molly Kizer saw her bid for a spot in the finals go by the boards with a 6-0, 6-2 loss to Magee in a semifinal match that was resumed Tuesday after being delayed by weather the day before.