CFCA takes girls tennis opener at Oakwood in state championship rematch

by Al Myatt | Aug 20, 2023 | Cape Fear Christian Academy

The 2023 CFCA girls tennis team is pictured above. From left are Ava Jones, Addison Lanpher, Karson Hamilton, Ella John Dupree, Coach Page Jackson, Lily Kate Dupree, Savannah Autry, Courtney Butts, Ella Butts, Maggie Keegan and Isabella Aitry. (Photo/John Dupree)

Cape Fear Christian Academy opened its girls tennis season with a 5-4 win at the Oakwood School in Greenville on Friday in a rematch of the 2022 NCISAA 1-A championship.

“This was good to open the season with a win, especially with it being a rematch of last year’s state championship match,” said Eagles coach Page Jackson. “We lost three of our top six players from last year’s team and I’m hoping some of our younger players can step up to help us contend again this year.”

Ella John Dupree won the No. 1 singles for CFCA, 6-1, 6-0 and teamed with Karson Hamilton for an 8-0 victory in the top doubles.

Hamilton took the No. 2 doubles, 6-2, 6-3.

The Eagles also got a single win at No. 6 from Courtney Butts.

Winners in the No. 3 doubles were Butts and Ava Jones.

Oakwood, which also has experienced significant graduation losses, won its second straight state title, 5-1, last fall in a match against CFCA at Faith Christian School in Rocky Mount.

The Eagles continue the 2023 campaign with a match at Triton against the Hawks on Monday at 3:30 p.m.