Salisbury tennis players having to hustle back for homecoming activities

The most challenging test of the day for Salisbury seniors Tonya Fox and Anita Edwards might just come after this afternoon’s 2A tennis regionals.

Fox and Edwards are part of a strong Hornet contingent taking part in the regionals, which begin for them at North Davidson at 4 p.m. and finish up at Lexington.

They are also two of four Salisbury players vying for the honor of Homecoming Queen, which will be awarded at approximately 8:15 p.m. during halftime of tonight’s football game against East Davidson.

Fox and Edwards not only want to win two matches to advance to tomorrow’s semifinals. They want to win quickly so they can make it back to Salisbury in time to take part in the homecoming ceremony.

“It’s going to be parents with dresses in cars ready to get the girls dressed as soon as they walk off the court,” Salisbury coach Chris Myers said.

Salisbury qualified six players for today’s regionals, and five will travel to North Davidson and Lexington to compete. The Hornets No. 5 player, Piper Cline, qualified in singles but has chosen to take the safe route.

She will attend the homecoming parade at 3:30 and have plenty of time to get ready for tonight’s festivities. Annie Ward, who plays No. 3 doubles but is not participating in regionals, will also stay in Salisbury.

“It’s not a team event, it’s individual, so it’s whatever is more important to them,”Myers said.

Fox and Edwards are placing equal importance on the regionals and the parade.

Fox and Kristy Woodson comprise the region’s top-seeded doubles team, and they will be joined in Welcome by the duo of Edwards and Andi Steele.

Allison Somers will compete in singles for the Hornets in Lexington, which will also host the second round of doubles.

Fox hopes to advance to the semifinals and make the state championships for the fourth time. Accomplishing that goal took longer than expected last season, which concerns Fox.

“We’re stressing about that because last year we didn’t get done until 9 or 9:30,” Fox said. “No one’s worried about the parade, it’s mainly induction.”

Said Myers, “Hopefully they throw a lot of passes tonight. Maybe the game will last a little while. It will be close.”

Myers wants his doubles teams to attack the net and put pressure on their opponents. If the Hornets are crisp with their volleys, they should enjoy a lot of success on Friday.

And they should get through two rounds in the blink of an eye.

Said Fox, “All I have to do is play smart and win fast and I think I’ll make it in time.”

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Contact Bret Strelow at 704-797-4258 or bstrelow@salisburypost.com .