Girls Tennis Wins Region

For the first time in forever, the Payson High Lady Lions Tennis Team has won region.  The tennis team was also undefeated throughout the season.  The tennis team couldn’t have done it without support from their Coaches Karen Thomas and Michelle Snow.  The tennis team also had support from team managers Wyatt and Braxton Judd, who are on the boys tennis team.  “As the record shows this is the most capable, talented, and aggressive girls tennis team in Payson’s history” Coach Karen Thomas commented.  The girls tennis team is already aiming and planning for the same result next year.  

 JV Region Tournament was particularly successful. Mikayla McKnight placed first in the lower singles.  Kati Scott and Tayler Olson also took first in the lower doubles.  Liz Wall took fourth in the upper singles and Annika Spencer also took fourth in lower singles.  Varsity region tournament was Payson doing very well.  For singles; McKenzie Lybbert, Staci Snow, Olivia Fordiani all took gold.  For doubles; Brenna Menlove and Sarah Black took silver in a close three set game, Leigh Ann Stowe and Katelin Orton took gold.

Out of the five teams that went to state, McKenzie Lybbert, Olivia Fordiani, and Brenna Menlove and Sarah Black made it to the Quarterfinals.  Staci Snow, Leigh Ann Stowe and Katelin Orton made it to the Semifinals, which is also a Payson first.  Staci Snow commented “It’s about the journey not the destination.”  The girls really tried hard to get past some of the tougher teams like Desert Hills, Pine View, and Park City.  The team’s final placing was sixth, but Coach Thomas is hopeful for future teams. 

Picture from left to right: Back Row: Annika Spencer, Ali Christensen, Staci Snow, Sarah Black, and Kati Scott. Front Row: Olivia Fordiani, McKenzie Lybbert, Katelin Orton, Tayler Olson.  Not in picture Mikayla McKnight, Brenna Menlove, Liz Wall, and Leigh Ann Stowe