There are some sports where the additions of Northern Durham, East Chapel Hill and Hillside in the Big 8 Conference that are affected more than others. East Chapel Hill’s biggest influence will be felt in girls tennis.
The Wildcats have captured nine girls state championships under former coach Lindsay Linker. Now back at the 3-A level, it’s clearer than ever before than this year’s Big 8 Championship will be decided by the two Chapel Hill schools.
The Wildcats defeated defending Big 8 Champion Cedar Ridge 6-0 on Wednesday.
Savannah Bright, Stella Joksimovic, Isabel Green, Ingrid Mast, Ellie Kim and Sarah McClanahan all won singles matches for the Wildcats. The doubles matches weren’t contested because of rain.
Cedar Ridge falls to 4-3, 2-2 in the Big 8. The loss to the Wildcats ends the Red Wolves’ two-match winning streak. CRHS defeated Orange and Northern Durham last week.
Former Orange High and Chapel Hill coach Nicky Walker is now coaching the Wildcats. East improves to 7-2, 4-0 in the Big 8.
Cedar Ridge will try to rebound on Wednesday against Hillside in Hillsborough.