CFNN Reporter Lucy Brinker

The Cape Fear Lady Colts had an amazing 2025 season! In total the Lady Colts had 102 matches, winning 71 of them. The Colts defeated The Hunt Warriors, Jack Britt Buccaneers, Purnell Swett Rams, Grays Greek Bears, Scotlands’ Fighting Scotts, and Lumberton Pirates. 

“I had such a great first season! I was very lucky to have the team I did. I am very proud of how far they went in regionals, and I’m excited for next season to see what girls join the team. Next season I can’t wait to keep working with them to make a better team,” said Coach Dion.

The team’s roster includes Dani Fick, Hailey Ross, and Ines Businaro who are Seniors, Juniors Alissa Fulghum, Emma Stephens, Aslyn Autry, and Haylee Hall, Sophomore Ezra Pajarilla, and Freshmen Makayla Tetlow and Jenny Solis. 

The rankings for the Colts single matches are First Court: Dani Fick, Second Court: Hailey Ross, Third Court: Ezra Pajarilla, Fourth Court: Alissa Fulgham, Fifth Court: Haylee Hall, and Sixth Court: Aslyn Autry. The doubles matches rankings included, Ezra Pajarilla and Hailey Ross at First Court, Dani Fick and Alissa Fulghum at Second Court, and lastly at Court Three Haylee Hall and Emma Stephens.

“Tennis has been a constant in my four years of high school. I’ve spent countless hours playing, practicing, and thinking about the sport. Through it I have made so many good friends and have shared four years of memories with them. While playing I picked up a state ring, and that is something I will never forget the experience of. It has helped me learn more about myself and how to play with others, and I wouldn’t trade the time back for anything,” said Dani Fick.

Senior Dani Fick has a winning record of 9-0 in singles at first court, and received the award of Player of the Match on August 15th, against Hunt High School, the first match of the season. Dani has been on the Girls Tennis Team since her Freshman year and has truly left her mark within Cape Fear Tennis! 

“Over the last 4 years Tennis has taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and staying positive. It has helped me grow as both an athlete and a person.” said Hailey Ross.

Senior Hailey Ross has a singles record of 7-1 at Court Two, and a winning streak of 4-0 in doubles where she plays at Court One. Ross has been on the Cape Fear Girls Tennis team for all four years of high school.

“As an exchange student joining the tennis team made me feel included and supported. It helped me grow and step out of my comfort zone,” said Ines Businaro.

Businaro left her mark on the Court during their matchup against Scotland High School on October 1st. She took her place on Court Six where she won in the first set, 8-0. While this was her first year on the tennis team, she put in the work and excelled alongside her teammates leaving an impact on the season! 

Cape Fear is very proud of the Lady Colts for having such an amazing 2025 season! This group was made up of such hard workers. Seniors Dani Fick, Hailey Ross, and Ines Businaro have set the tone for future generations of Cape Fear Tennis Players. Coach Dion’s first year coaching the Girls Tennis Team has been such a huge success. We are so thankful to have her as a coach and can’t wait to see the impact that she continues to leave on the Lady Colts Tennis Team. Congratulations Girls Tennis on such a wonderful season!