ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, May 31, 1996 TAG: 9605310077
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
It's not every day a sophomore can say her advanced experience was the key factor in winning a state tennis title, but that's exactly how Western Albemarle's Meghan Mahan viewed her victory.
Mahan, the 1995 Group AA champion, defeated Blacksburg freshman Yasamina Hilu 6-0, 6-0 on Thursday afternoon at Salem High School to defend her title.
``It was easier for me this year than last because I knew more about how the tournament worked this time around,'' Mahan said. ``The experience of being here before I think helped me a lot today.''
For Mahan, the victory served as personal vindication for those who said her 1995 victory over Salem's Jill Archer was a fluke.
``This one feels really good because I wanted to show that last year wasn't luck,'' Mahan said. ``I put a lot of internal pressure on myself to win this title.''
Hilu advanced to the championship with baseline rallies that left Poquoson's Andrea Hunter handcuffed and frustrated. Hilu's lob-and-recover style caused Mahan, a baseline resident, little trouble.
``I watched [Hilu's] semifinal match and I knew she had a lot of stamina and played a lot of long points,'' Mahan said. ``But I like playing from the baseline, so the style didn't bother me as much.''
The disappointment of Hilu's loss was softened by the realization she had accomplished a great deal in her first state tournament.
Mahan ``played really well today,'' Hilu said. ``I'm happy with second though because I still have three more years to go.''
For state tennis fans, this match could be the first of many encounters between the talented underclassmen.
``Both players are young, so it's a possibility they could see each other again the next couple of years,'' said Jennifer Buckley, Blacksburg's coach. ``This match was a great learning experience for Yasamina. She knows what she needs to work on if she wants to win the title next year.''``It's not like she gave the match away ... there were a lot of long points and deuce games. I'm sure she'll be back.''
In the team competition, Fort Defiance's march to the championship culminated with an 8-1 victory over Gate City.
The finals were wrapped up before doubles play began, with Fort Defiance winning five singles matches. Seven of the team's eight victories came in straight sets.
Gate City's day went from bad to worse when it's No.1 tandem of Kellie Carter and Courtney Thomas lost the doubles title 6-2, 6-2 to Allison Cole and Kellie Partlow of Handley.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 linesby CNB