RIDGELAND — The Brookhaven Academy girls tennis team won theClass AA state title on Wednesday at the Ridgeland Tennis Center.With a balanced attack on all the divisions, the BA girls had 4points with second place going to Indianola with 2 points.

Leading the way for the Lady Cougars were eighth graders EmilyRyan and Nicole Smith who won the number two doubles state title,defeating Yazoo City Manchester Academy 7-5, 6-4, in the final.

Anna C. Moak contributed one point before losing a well-foughtfinal to East Rankin Academy. Rosemary Moak and Sydney Moak alsocontributed a point before a tough three set-heart breaker toSimpson Academy 4-6, 6-4, 5-7.

BA head coach Kory Kenny said of the state championship duo:”Emily and Nicole have found a way to win all season long againstall different kinds of opponents. Their determination and fighthelps them succeed on the tennis court.”

When asked about the girls team championship, Kenny said, “I’mso proud of this team. Our goals for the year for both boys andgirls teams this year was to first win district, secondly, winsouth state, and thirdly, win state.

“Our boys team came up a bit short at state, but all of the kidsfought hard today, and the future of BA tennis is strong. We losethree seniors on the boys side, and none on the girls side.

“We have some hungry younger players just waiting for their shotat playing for BA on the varsity level.”

Jerrod Rayborn was the lone point for the Cougars on the boysside. Winning his first match in a third set against Lee Academyand losing in the final to North Delta.