WESSON — Mixed tennis doubles players Mary Hynum and Cole Gipson clinched the winning court for Wesson Monday afternoon. The 5-2 win over McComb came on a cool windy day and was the first match back from spring break.

Sophomore girls singles player Macy Loy was one of the first courts to finish. She took her court 6-2, 6-1 hitting some remarkable shots. Loy was a strong player last year and grew her game over the offseason. 

“It was good to win today. I needed a good win and good play. I’m pleased with how I played,” Loy said. “I go to lessons throughout the year and on Sundays with Mrs Brenda (Smith). I work on footwork and the parts of my game that need improvement. She has helped me a lot. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”

It is not just coaching and lessons that have helped Loy improve on the court. She said playing softball has helped her get stronger because she has to lift weights. Her approach to tennis is more strategic than before. 

Several of her shots Monday afternoon were tight, down the line or low into the corner posing a challenge to the returning player. Loy’s experience playing singles last year is paying off this season. 

“I like playing singles. I know if I get in a hole I can dig myself out of it,” Loy said. “It can be hard sometimes. I work on my mental side of the game. I try to keep a positive mindset and body language on the court.” 

On the adjacent court, junior Ben McKenzie is making a transition to playing singles this season. He was doubles partner with Connor Brister last season and is navigating the different approach to tennis. Wesson Head Coach Taylor Burke said McKenzie is a leader of the team. 

McKenzie lost his court 1-6, 3-6 but made a valiant effort to come back in the second set. The wind proved to be a challenge for him as some balls came up just short of going over the net with strong gusts of wind. 

Loy said she dealt with the wind by paying attention to which direction it was blowing when she made shots. Sometimes hitting into the wind a shot needs to be hard and with the wind it needs to be softer. 

Girls doubles partners Allison Hamilton and Presley Bridges won their court 6-1,6-2 for Wesson. Boys doubles partners Christian Marin and Brendon Duguid fell 2-6, 2-6. Conner Neely and Baylor Smith won their boys double court 6-0,6-3. 

Wesson travels to Yazoo Thursday before hosting district opponents McLaurin and Nxoubee at home this weekend. The match against McLaurin will be at 10 a.m. and Noxubee is at 2 p.m. The district tournament will be on April 2. 

Loy says she has a couple of goals this season including getting past the second round of state where she lost last year. She will have a chance to accomplish her goals as the season progresses. 

“My goal is to go further at state and be a good example to others and show Christ love in my play,” Loy said. “I will hopefully keep winning and give glory to God.” 

Loy attends First Baptist Church Brookhaven.