Most teams full of underclassmen either struggle or take a while to make an impact. The Southeast Bulloch girls tennis team proved to be an exception to the rule. 

The Jackets advanced to the state Final Four for the first time in school history, and despite falling Wednesday to Pace Academy head coach Tom Lieu is proud of the run his team made and excited about the future.

“This has been a record-breaking season for this team and I have been truly blessed,” Lieu said. “What has been most impressive to me is that this team is comprised of only freshman and sophomores. Leading the charge all year has been Rylee Veland (So.) at first singles, Anna Grace Bosley (So.) at second singles, Audrey Fowler (Fr.) at third singles, Lydia Fowler (So.) and Sydney Kate Aaron (Fr.) at first doubles, and Laina Erickson (So.) and Addie Smith (So.) at second doubles.”

Last season the Jackets made it to the Elite-8 before falling to the eventual state champions in Pace Academy. This year Lieu feels one of the keys to their success has been playing against some much larger schools throughout the season.

“The girls this season have had several accolades and achievements such as their third straight region championship, a runner up finish in the LaGrange Granger Invitational to 7-A Hillgrove, and an undefeated record in region play. This team has truly pulled together to become a statewide contender in the GHSA.”

Despite Wednesday's loss, Lieu feels the Jackets will be a force in the years to come and believes they have built even more confidence with their run this season.

“I feel like we played much better against Pace this year and I think we narrowed the gap,” Lieu said. “Next year we will move down to Class-AAA. These girls have done an amazing job this year and the future is bright for this team.”