The Lord Botetourt tennis teams saw their season come to an end before it began this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic. Seven senior Cavaliers were aced by Covid-19.
Rachel Williams and Hannah Deter are the two seniors on the Lord Botetourt girls’ tennis team. Rachel was starting at number one singles and was on the number two doubles team.
As a junior Williams advanced to the Region 3D finals in singles. She was 18-0 before losing in the final to Anna Campbell of Abingdon. In addition to being the region runner-up Rachel was also the Blue Ridge District girls’ Player of the Year in 2019
Deter was slated to be number five on the singles roster and on the number three doubles team.
“Though the season got cut short, they proved to be key players on the roster,” said first year LB girls’ coach Shannon Quinn. “Rachel is a very strong and consistent player, which is a key element for someone in the number one spot. Hannah is a tough player with a love for the game. They are both very hard working individuals, on and off the court. I know they will go on to do great things, whether that involves tennis or not. It has been a privilege to be their coach during their last season at Lord Botetourt.”
The boys’ team had five seniors, Jacob Perrine, Coby Kingery, Logan Hollandsworth, Spenser Eason and Carson Cook. Perrine was the number one player heading into the season and Kingery was sixth on the ladder. Others scheduled to start included Tyler Meade at two, Blake Lancaster at three, Louis Moal at four and Case Deaner at five.
Coach Blake Johnson said he spent his down time drawing up new drills for the team before the season was officially canceled.
“I’m having to reschedule my wedding as well so that’s taking up a good bit of time,” he said.