Three local players competed in the overall state tennis tournament Monday at Burns Park in Little Rock, facing tough competition that ended their runs in the second round.
In doubles, Berkeley Decker and Nicola Talbot, who had earned a first-round bye, faced Brookland’s team of Shepard and Brussel. Despite a strong effort, Decker and Talbot were unable to recover from a slow start, losing the first set 6-2. The second set unfolded similarly, with Brookland winning 6-2 to advance.
On the boys’ side, 5A singles champion Oakley Recktenwald also began his tournament with a first-round bye. He faced Carson Upton of Jessieville in the second round. Upton claimed victory in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-4, ending Recktenwald’s season.
Though their tournament bids came to an end, Recktenwald, Decker, and Talbot concluded strong seasons, each earning All-State honors for their performances this year.