New Hanover girls tennis advances to state regional final for first time since 2019

For the New Hanover High School girl's tennis team, winning has become the expectation.

The Wildcats defeated No. 4 Panther Creek 5-2 on Monday to advance to a state regional dual team final for the first time since 2019.

The win moves New Hanover, the top seed in the East, to 24-0 on the season. The Wildcats haven't lost a conference game in six years, going an incredible 111-4 overall.

"They know they're at the top, and they know this is a great chance with the chemistry they have," New Hanover girls tennis coach Jenifer Coleman said of her team's potential in 2023.

While New Hanover has been at the forefront of success in Wilmington tennis, they've yet to claim a state title.

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The Wildcats made their only state title appearance in 2019, marking the first time any New Hanover County school had advanced to a state championship in tennis.

Last season, the team went 21-0 before falling to Apex Friendship in the third round of the playoffs. The loss saw the Wildcats hold a 4-2 lead before losing all three doubles matches and falling 5-4.

New Hanover entered doubles in the same exact position Monday against Panther Creek, up 4-2 and needing just one set to secure the win. This time around, losing wasn't an option.

"I think (last season's loss) was kind of replaying in our heads," junior Sophia Catino said after Monday's victory. "Once we saw everyone else pulling together, I think it kind of forces you (to play well)."

Catino, who plays at No. 1 singles for the team, has lost just three sets in her high school career, going 39-2 in singles over the last two seasons.

Catino's dominance is complemented by No. 2 singles player and doubles partner Hannah Davis. The junior has been equally as impressive this fall, boasting a perfect 19-0 record at No. 2 singles.

"We're kind of like best friends both on and off the court," Davis said. "We spend almost every second of every day together, and it just brings us closer, so when we get on the court, it's nothing new, and it just feels right."

With Catino and Davis leading the charge for New Hanover, the team also features one of the deepest rosters in the area. According Coleman, all 28 of the team's players have appeared in a match this fall.

"If you come to Hanover for four years and play tennis, you're going to be good by the end of it," Coleman said. "Half my mission is, this group, let's go win a state championship. The other mission is to give girls something to feel good about to help them."

Even with unparalleled success, New Hanover struggled in last season's playoffs, which Davis attributes to the team's mental approach.

"Last year, we were all kind of thinking, we still have next year. But then this year, when we were starting tryouts, we were like, this is the year, let's lock in and do it, so we were all kind of more motivated."

This season, New Hanover has shown it has both the physical and mental experience to compete for a state title, something Coleman has seen firsthand.

"Last year (the team) saw how the level got really good really quick, and I think we just weren't emotionally ready for it," she said. "We decided to work really hard on doubles this year, and they have enjoyed that so much. I think that has helped their chemistry and them feel ready for this."

On Wednesday afternoon, New Hanover will host No. 3 Broughton (18-2) in Wilmington for a chance to play in Saturday's NCHSAA 4A state championship in Burlington.

While advancing this far has already been an accomplishment, it's no secret that New Hanover has lasered its focus onto hoisting a state title trophy in 2023.

"Everybody is so motivated because we all want to go to states Saturday," Catino said. "It's just been the whole year's goal, and we're excited to hopefully pull through the next one and go up there to Burlington," Catino said.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Hanover girls tennis vying state title, history in perfect season