Final day of tennis means state playoff brackets coming

April 16, 2019 by Andy Morales, AZPreps365


Eric Cho controls the second court for Salpointe. (Andy Morales/AZPreps365.com)

Salpointe started the season out with two straight losses and that led to a 2-3 record heading into section play. The playoff hopes were shaky at best as the season went on and the Lancers were ranked out of the top 16 in Division II as late as last week. Catalina Foothills controlled their section, so earning one of the eight at-large state playoff berths was the only option available and the Lancers may have done just that after beating Mountain View Marana 7-2 on Tuesday.

Salpointe (7-4) was ranked No. 13 heading into the final match at No. 25 Mountain View (6-7) but two of the eight automatic are currently ranked outside of the top 16 so two teams could be bumped out of the top 16 to make room, so the playoff picture could be a tight one.

No. 21 Gila Ridge (9-4) won Section III and No. 22 Agua Fria (12-2) captured Section IV so teams ranked in the top 14 are theoretically safe but the final rankings will be released as early as Wednesday afternoon.

It appears most of the divisions for boys and girls have similar drama so make sure all the results are turned in and watch for those brackets.

The state tournament for teams in all three divisions will start on Tuesday, April 23 for girls and Wednesday, April 24 for boys. Singles and doubles competition is scheduled to start on Friday, April 26 for both.