By Kevin Eckleberry

Sports Editor

The finest season in the history of Callaway High’s tennis program came to an end against one of the state’s most tradition-rich teams.

Facing Westminster in the second round of the Class AA state tournament, the Lady Cavaliers were beaten 3-1 at home on Thursday.

Westminster goes on to the quarterfinals, while Callaway closed its season with an 18-3 record that included a second straight region title, and a first-ever victory at the state tournament.

“Winning another region crown, winning that first-round match, the girls had a great experience,” Callaway coach Kareem Douhne said. “It was very exciting.”

Callaway’s lone win against Westminster came from its sensational No. 1 player, Hannah Mueller, a German native who has spent the school year in Troup County.

Mueller dominated her opponent to finish the season with a perfect record.

“That girl was good that she palyed, she was getting shots back, but Hannah sets up her points so well,” Douhne said. “She has a variety of shots. Backspin, drop shots, or she’ll power it by you.”

Mueller also has an overwhelming serve that most players she has faced are unable to handle.

At No. 2 singles, Jill Cook fell short, and Divlin Kaur lost at No. 3 singles.

Kaur was blanked 6-0 in the first set, but she fought back in the second set and lost 6-4.

At No. 1 doubles, Rachel Williams and Leslie Smith lost, and the No. 2 doubles team of Kaitlin Gilbert and Kasey Barintine had played two games when their match was pulled.

The No. 2 doubles match was tied 1-1 when Westminster clinched victory with its third win.

“They were playing some good tennis. I think they would have had a great chance,” Douhne said of Gilbert and Barintine.

The Lady Cavaliers should have a great chance to get back to this point next year.

Mueller is returning to Germany and that’ll be a big loss, but every other player on the team will be back.

“Everybody’ll be back but Hannah. I think we’ll be in good shape,” Douhne said. “Everybody’s getting better. Hopefully there’ll be good things to come.”