Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PORTSMOUTH — Step one on a possible return trip has been taken.

South Point Lady Pointers’ junior Madison Riley reached the girls’ Division II state tennis tournament last season.

Riley took her first step on a possible return trip Wednesday by winning the sectional tournament. Riley went 5-0 as she beat Macy Detty of Miami Trace, Emily Shanahan of Hillsboro, Mikhalia Roe of Minford and Emma Shepherd of Minford — all by 6-0, 6-0 sets.

In the finals she beat Sheridan McLean of Waverly 6-1, 7-6 (7-4).

Riley will play in the district tournament next Wednesday at Athens.

A total of 19 schools participated in the sectional.

The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers’ Ariel Whitt defeated players from Vinton County and Minford before falling to McLean who came in as the No. 1 seed overall.

Ironton’s Aleigha Justice lost in the second round while Rachel Sanders lost in her first varsity match.

Sanders replaced regular Holly Bruce who suffered a season-ending concussion during the Lady Tigers’ final match last week.

In doubles play, Ironton’s Kylie Barcus and Danielle Ailster beat Circleville’s team before falling to the No. 2 seed team.

The Lady Tigers’ Breanna Klaiber and Kara Spencer teamed up to beat Valley before falling in three sets of their next match.

“Our girls played well. They’re young and they gained some valuable experience,” said Ironton coach Ron Ross.