Gracie Hunt, Ryn Smith Compete

Gracie Hunt and Ryn Smith stepped onto the big tennis stage—or court as it was—and competed at the GISA Class AA state meet earlier this week in Macon.

The Piedmont Academy duo faced opponents from Robert Toombs Christian Academy. Hunt and Smith, a number three seed, took a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 victory in the opening round at John Drew Tennis Center.

“They had great rhythm and momentum in the first round,” said coach Alison Hildebrant. “Gracie had great serves and baseline returns. Ryn had fabulous play at the net.”

The duo then faced opponents from Southwest Georgia. Smith and Hunt battled before falling 6-3, 6-4.

“We had trouble with serves and placement,” Hildebrant said. “We battled and went to deuce several times. Still I am beyond excited and extremely proud of the girls and their hard work and for making it this far.”