4A region tennis: Plant steps up against Countryside

Plant sealed its fourth straight team state appearance Thursday by winning four out of five singles matches over Countryside at Cal Dickson Tennis Center in South Tampa in a 4-1 win in a Class 4A regional.

No. 1 singles player Blair Martin, the defending No. 2 team singles state champion won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, while No. 3 Carol Marie Fraley (6-2, 7-5), No. 4 Natalie Franklin (6-2, 6-2), Julia Rodriguez (6-2, 6-2).

“I think it definitely shows that my girls have been able to step up,” Plant coach Jacquelyn Rosen said. “The last two teams we’ve played have definitely stepped up the competition compared to what we faced in the regular season. All of my girls are tournament players, so they’re used to the pressure.”

Teams in post

• Countryside High School
• Plant High School