Palo Verde girls, Gorman boys romp in state play-ins

Palo Verde's girls tennis team will have a chance to defend its Division I state title after winning a play-in match Tuesday for the final state tournament berth.

Chloe Henderson and Kristen Newell each went 2-0 in singles to lead the Panthers to a 14-4 win over Green Valley (12-2) at Darling Tennis Center.

The doubles teams of Sophie Henderson and Isabella Shelton, Abby Lewis and Alissa Till, and Kaya Richardson and Shelby Graber all went 2-0 for Palo Verde, which led 11-1 after two rounds.

The Panthers (12-1) will face Sunrise Region champion Liberty (11-1) in a state semifinal at 11 a.m. Thursday at Darling. Northern Region champion Douglas (14-0) will meet Sunset champion Bishop Gorman (11-2) in the other semifinal, also at 11 a.m.

BOYS

Bishop Gorman swept the nine doubles sets to gain a 13-5 victory over Green Valley in the boys play-in match.

The teams of Sam Sholeff and Michael Connors, Cole Davidson and Lucas Hammond, and Skylar Davidson and Grant Rogers each went 3-0 for the Gaels (13-1).

Aaron Bailey was 2-0 in singles for Gorman, which will meet Sunrise champion Coronado (11-2) in a state semifinal at 8 a.m. Thursday at Darling. Northern champion Reno will face Sunset champion Palo Verde (10-2) in the other semifinal, also at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Ryan Elezra was 3-0 in singles and Mackay Boman went 2-1 in singles for the Gators (11-3).