Daniela Nasser (Team #1 rank) and Caroline Lozo (Team #2 rank) each earned a pair of individual victories at State Tennis Finals on Wednesday, April 17, setting them up final in their respective seed brackets on the following day. The doubles team of Nasser and Lozo qualified to compete in the semifinals of the #1 doubles team bracket alos on Thursday.
The Jaguars have already captured the 2A-District 10 title and the 2A-Region 5 titles. The Academy tennis team emerged as District Champions for the fourth year in a row at Hillsborough Community College. The squad dominated their opposition, claiming the top five individual titles and one doubles title with ease.
The top five individual titles went to Daniela Nasser at #1, Caroline Lozo at #2, Olivia Rivas at #3, Grace Williams at #4, and Grayson Garraty at #5.
Not only did the girls sweep the individual rankings, but they also grasped the top two doubles titles. Snagging the titles were Daniela Nasser and Caroline Lozo at #1 and Olivia Rivas and Grace Williams at #2.
Caroline Lozo, one of the key players for the Jaguars, expressed her excitement with the title win and looks forward to more success in the following weeks.
“It has been an honor for me to represent AHN at the District and Regional levels. And, to win four straight years makes me very proud. We will give 110% today and pull together as a team to advance to states.”
The girls defeated Hardee High School in the opening round of the Regional Tournament and now have the opportunity to compete for the Region title against Lakewood High School this Thursday, April 11 at Hillsborough Community College at 3 p.m. The match is expected to be a fight to the finish as the teams battle for a spot in the State tournament.
Caroline Lozo expects success in the upcoming match against Lakewood. “The team is positive after winning the Regional Semifinal match and we are looking forward to the Regional Final match.”
Athletic Director Kevin Vargas could not contain his enthusiasm in an email to the school staff. “The tennis team has once again claimed the title of Region Champions!! They battled against a tough Lakewood High School team, but prevailed and earned the win. I cannot tell you how proud I am of the way our girls battled over the course of the FIVE hour match!”
Yesterday, Daniela Nasser and Caroline Lozo each proved victorious in their individual matches and will advance to the semifinals today. Later, they will compete together in the #1 doubles semifinals.
The Athletic Direcor expresses optimism towards the championship, “Each of these matches count towards valuable team points that will decide the eventual Team State Championship; we currently remain in the mix for a State Runner-Up trophy.”
The team will advance to the State Finals in Orlando on Wednesday and Thursday, April 17-18.
