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Statesboro Tennis falls in state quarterfinals
050218 SHS TENNIS GILCHRIST 1
Statesboro High's Taylor Gilchrist hits a backhand volley during Wednesday's Class AAAAA state quarterfinal match against Flowery Branch at Mill Creek Regional Park.

The Statesboro High boys tennis team made it to the Class AAAAA quarterfinals for a second consecutive season.


Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, that's where things ended for the 2018 campaign. Flowery Branch claimed wins in the first three matches to be completed on Wednesday afternoon at Mill Creek Regional Park. The final two matches were halted as the first three were enough to clinch a spot in the Final Four for Flowery Branch.


"It's tough to end the season, but these guys have a lot to be proud about and I'm definitely proud for them," SHS coach Iesha Baldwin said. "Last season, we had some senior leaders leave us. This year, we stepped up to keep things going."


The Blue Devils rolled to a second consecutive Region 2-AAAAA championship and once again advanced through the first two rounds of state tournament play before coming up a bit short.


Five of Wednesday's seven starters will graduate later this month, but the Devils feel like they are set up to keep the momentum going.


"We have a lot of depth and many of our younger guys weren't able to play in a lot of matches," Baldwin said. "The underclassmen have already taken a vote and we'll be out practicing on Monday."