The Parkersburg boys tennis team celebrates after winning the Region IV championship Friday at Cabell Midland High School. (Photo Provided)

ONA — The Region IV tennis championships kicked off on Friday at Cabell Midland High School, with the Parkersburg boys bringing home the team crown.

Both the PHS boys and girls were hoping for success and to earn a berth in the WVSSAC state tournament. Following a clinch format, the first team to win 4 of 7 matches secured the team victory (3 doubles, 4 singles).

The PHS girls started the day with an opening match versus Spring Valley. PHS won the opening match 4-0 on the back of three 8-0 victories by the girls. The doubles pairings of Emma Stanley/Liya Tewodros and Camille Tatterson/Baylee White, plus Tewodros in the No. 1 singles spot, all earned the 8-0 victories that put the Big Reds into the semifinals.

Parkersburg’s hopes for a state bid ended in the semifinals against Cabell Midland, which beat PHS 4-0. Parkersburg ended team competition this season with a 10-6 record. The girls will get individual shots during the doubles and singles tournament play that begins on Monday.

The Big Red boys had their opening match versus the Huntington Highlanders in the semis. On the back of some very strong doubles play, PHS led 2-1 after the conclusion of doubles. It was Alex Marshall and Isaac Stephens who both secured 8-0 victories in their singles matches that secured a spot in the championship match for Parkersburg.

The Big Reds faced Hurricane to determine the Region IV champion. With all players determined to finish regional team play strong, the Big Red boys completed a 4-0 sweep of HHS to secure the title. The doubles pairing of Jack McLean/Thomas Lindenmuth secured the No. 3 doubles victory with an 8-6 win, and the singles play of Isaac “The Closer” Stephens took care of the No. 4 singles victory 8-0 to secure the crown for PHS, which is now 15-1.

The PHS boys will also return to Cabell Midland on Monday to participate in the singles and doubles tournament.