The Richmond Hill girls tennis team finished 16-5, made the state playoffs and achieved a No. 7 state ranking this year.

"This was one of the most courageous groups of girls I have ever coached," said Coach Rob Paruso. "They beat some fine teams, always played hard, and were a lot of fun."

But the team's season ended against Lagrange in the opening round of the state plyaoffs.

Caroline Benjamin finished a stellar four year career against one of the year’s toughest opponents.Benjamin took the match to deuce many times but finally bowed out after two sets.

Fiona Baer met a similar foe and despite long rallies and great hustle Fiona likewise dropped out in two sets. Gina Florio never stopped in a running defensive battle but eventually lost in two. In No. 4 singles, Laura Trivitayakun had the longest match of the day, just over 2 hours, but could not wear out her opposition. Anastasshia Ames and Emily Stephens took the first set through athleticism and precision. The second set went to Lagrange. The teams elected to play a 12 point tie-break for the match but RHHS faltered in a close ending. The No. 2 doubles team of Kate Macedo and Ali Mazur played a great match against a hard hitting duo. They, as did No. 3 doubles Rachel Dixon and Sofia Donleavy, dropped competitive matches.

Playing near flawless tennis, the Richmond Hill High School boy’s tennis team crushed cross-state foe Harris County. The win advances them to the "Sweet 16," and they will be hosting a tough Spalding County group on Monday.

"The kids played well. In State level matches unforced errors will beat you. We made very few," Paruso said.

Michael Zhu led the team off 6-0, 6-0 against a fairly strong No. 1 singles player. Zhu gave him no breathing room as he used a forceful serve for both aces and service winners to gain RHHS their first point. Jason Trankle’s play, 6-0, 6-1, was equally as strong. Huy Phan picked up another game point in a two set marathon. Phan faced a defensive wall and was forced to play long rallies to win the point. Phan took his match 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. The most interesting match featured Kyle Guither and Nic Balas in a two-set tie break win. The boys served up numerous aces and baffled Harris County with their net play. Chris Noonburg and Lee Noonburg had little difficulty posted an easy 6-0, 6-0 win. The third doubles team of Charles Zhu and Ethan Laine made short work of their game while they held their opponents scoreless.