The Plant City boys tennis team hopes to continue its postseason streak next week, when they compete in the Class 4A District 5 tournament.
The Raiders have finished as runner-up at districts for the past two years, and that is where they hope to end up again this year.
“Our goal this year is to make sure we finish second,” said PCHS coach Dale Rice, who has coached the Raiders for 28 years.
That goal is because frontrunner and No. 1 seed Wiregrass Ranch is all but a lock to take the district championship again.
“They beat us last year, and they are a much stronger team this season,” Rice said. “They have a chance to make a run at a state championship. We just have to make sure we get that second spot, because if you get second, you advance, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Plant City has fallen in their opening region match the past two years, but Rice said that outcome could change, given the right matchup.
“We’ve got to get past districts first,” he said.
The Raiders have had another successful season, going 3-1 in district play. Their one loss was not to Wiregrass Ranch (Plant City hasn’t faced WRHS this year), but to Newsome in the third match of the season. Plant City dropped that match4-3 but didn’t have its two top players — brothers Harrison and Spencer Heysek — in the lineup.
The Raiders also had to start some young and inexperienced players at other spots because of other injuries and absences.
Harrison missed several matches at the beginning of the season because of a back injury but has recovered and is set to play in the district tournament.
The Heysek brothers teamed up as Plant City’s No. 1 doubles team for the first time this season Monday against Jesuit. Harrison and Spencer, seniors and two of a set of triplets, won the match over Jesuit’s No. 1 doubles team 8-0 in the first set. Both are committed to play collegiate tennis.
Plant City defeated district foe Brandon 7-0 Tuesday to complete its regular season district schedule. The Raiders faced Strawberry Crest Wednesday and will host Leonard Thursday.
The PCHS girls team is 8-3 entering their regular season finale against Leonard Thursday, and coach Doug Jones’ team is hoping to make a second consecutive trip to regionals.
“It looks to be a three-team race between Wiregrass, Newsome and us,” Jones said. “It’s going to be a tight battle.”
The Lady Raiders No. 1 player, Taylor Ballantine, has been battling a back injury, and Jones said he’s not sure how much she will be able to contribute. The No. 2 through 4 seeds will be key, Jones said.
CLASS 4A DISTRICT 5 TOURNAMENT
WHEN: April 2 and 3
WHERE: Wiregrass Ranch, with some matches at Meadow Pointe I “>http://dolcestyle.ru/sberbank-kreditnaya-karta-onlayn-zayavka.php