In a battle of defending state tennis champions, the decidingmatch rested on the shoulders of Brookhaven seniors Marcee Cartyand Ashley Hall in girls doubles. As the warm, spring sun begansetting Wednesday evening, Carty and Hall posted a 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)win over Madison Central’s Heather Logan and Jane Claire Garren tosecure a 3-2 Brookhaven varsity victory on the Brookhaven CountryClub courts.

In a hard-fought duel, Carty cashed in the match-winning pointon a quick smash past MC’s Garren who was playing the net. Cartyhad twisted her right ankle earlier in the second set but continuedto compete.

“It was a great shot,” said Carty, referring to the winner. “Iwas ready for it to be over because I twisted my ankle.”

Carty and Hall were placed on the doubles team by Brookhavencoach David Misner in preparation for the Class 4A state tournamentwhich is April 29-30 at the Ridgeland Tennis Center.

“We got put together to play doubles,” said Hall. “We used toplay junior high doubles together.”

Carty said Brookhaven’s quest for a successful state titledefense was optimistic. “We have a really good chance to repeat ifwe keep working hard.”

Madison Central, the defending Class 5A state champion, won theboys doubles and mixed doubles matches yesterday. The Jaguars got a7-5, 6-2 win from Chris Rea and Drew Smith over Brookhaven’s LaneLofton and Judson Langston. MC’s powerful mixed doubles team ofTaylor Clemer and Kathryn Carroll defeated Sam Sones and AmandaLynch of Brookhaven 6-1, 6-1.

Brookhaven dominated the singles competition as Stuart Misnerbeat Bryan Bankester in straight sets 6-2, 6-1 in the boys matchand Sadie Corban dominated Lane Dender 6-0, 6-1 in girlsaction.

“It all came down to girls doubles and I was real proud ofMarcee and Ashley,” said Coach Misner. “It’s good to see them comethrough under pressure.

“I felt we would match up well with Madison Central,” Misneradded. “Their strength was our strength so I was wondering whichmatch would decide it.”

Brookhaven participates in the 8-team Northwest RankinTournament this Saturday. Brookhaven hosts the Division 6-4ATournament Monday, starting that morning.