CFNN Reporter: Nicolle Owens

The Cape Fear High School girls tennis team is still undefeated after taking down Terry Sanford, 6–3 last Thursday. This was a match the Lady Colts had been looking forward to since the beginning of the season. Terry Sanford has been a longtime rival for Cape Fear tennis, making this matchup even more important for the team. With the rivalry and a winning streak on the line, the girls came into the match ready to compete.

The team came in with a game plan and executed it well. Alyssa Fulghum, playing on the first court, had a standout match, winning 6–1, 6–3. The players on the other courts also stepped up when their team needed them. Terry Sanford had some strong players, but Cape Fear stayed focused from the first point to the last. Their determination and teamwork helped them finish the match with another win.

“Terry Sanford has been our rival for the past couple of years. We went into this match putting our heads in the game and believing in ourselves. Being first court, it feels as if the weight is on your shoulders and you decide how the match will go. I stuck it out, winning 6–1, 6–3, and kept a close eye on all of my teammates as they were playing as well. We came out with the 6–3 win and kept the Bulldogs in the doghouse,” said Fulghum.

One of the most exciting moments of the match came during the second-court doubles match. Haylee Hall and Kennedy Hancock found themselves in a tough position against Terry Sanford. After falling behind 6–3, the two had to find a way to stay focused and make a comeback. Instead of letting the score get to them, Hall and Hancock kept fighting and eventually turned the match around, winning 8–6. Their comeback helped Cape Fear secure another important point and showed just how much determination the team had throughout the match.

“Our team went into the Terry Sanford match knowing that this would be a fight, but we KNEW we could do this. Singles for me was a challenge since this was my best competition, and I also had some trouble with the crowd. But I fought ’til the end and came out on top, 6–2, 6–2,” said Hancock.

“Doubles is where things got a little shaky. Me and my partner Haylee started out a little shaky, and being down 6–3 was hard to come back from. That didn’t stop us or our adrenaline. Me and Haylee talked it out and decided we were winning this. Then we came back and won 8–6! That was a moment I will never forget,” Hancock added.

The win against Terry Sanford was more than just another victory for the Lady Colts. It showed how the team can stay together and fight through difficult moments. Whether it was a close point, a tough opponent, or coming back from a deficit, the girls continued to support one another and stay focused on the goal.

With the season now moving into its second half, Cape Fear has built an impressive 6–0 record. The Lady Colts will look to keep their undefeated streak alive in their upcoming match against Scotland on Sep. 14. After such a strong start to the season, the team is hoping to carry the same energy, confidence, and teamwork into the matches ahead.

Cape Fear Colts, make sure to come out and support our Lady Colts as they continue their undefeated season and fight for more wins!