The Shadow
FISHERSVILLE, Va. (VR) – The Alleghany High School boys tennis team pushed Rocktown High School to the limit before falling in postseason play, closing the season with a 10-7 record despite returning just two starters from last year’s lineup.
Alleghany battled throughout the match and won all three third-set tiebreakers, turning what could have been an early exit into the Cougars’ strongest performance of the season against a Rocktown squad that improved to 9-3.
“I’m very proud of the guys for fighting so hard,” Alleghany coach Seth Davis said. “They could have eliminated us early but we pushed them to the brink. Rocktown is an excellent team and we played our best match of the year. We will miss Riley Smith, our only senior.”
In singles play, Bubby Entsminger earned a third-set tiebreak win, 10-6, while Ayven Warren picked up a straight-set victory, 6-2, 6-3. Colten Jones added another tiebreak win with an 11-9 decision.
Riley Smith fell 1-6, 4-6, Parker Willis lost 4-6, 1-6 and Quinten Harris dropped a 4-6, 0-6 match.
In doubles action, Warren and Willis earned a hard-fought 10-8 win. Entsminger and Smith fell 4-6, 5-7, while Jones and Persinger lost 3-6, 2-6.
With Davis and Scott Dudding continuing to build the program, the future remains bright for the Cougars. With only one senior graduating, the Cougars return nearly their entire lineup and appear ready to make serious noise in 2027.
