It is a long road to the Class 5A State Tennis Tournament.
Great Bend High School’s doubles team of senior Morgan Francis and junior Macy Moyers has yet to stumble on that road.
The team is entering the state tournament at 35-0, the only team with an unblemished record.
“They’ve had a couple of practices,” GBHS head coach Shannon Schartz said. “They look ready to play.”
The Great Bend girls will head to Emporia for the two-day tennis tournament starting today.
Between the two of them, there is five years of state experience, which is the most possible.
Francis will be completing her fourth year on the team and her fourth season to qualify for the state tournament.
Moyers is in her third year and making her third trip.
“They’re pretty positive,” Schartz said. “I don’t think nerves is going to be a problem.”
Both of them have been Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
Francis has earned that honor in 2012 and 2014.
Moyers earned it in 2013.
Against WAC opponents, the Moyers-Francis connection has been flawless this year.
Garden City’s double team of Claire Schmidt and Shai Cartmill, who were 6A Regional Champions this season, have a 30-5 record.
All five losses came at the hands of Moyers and Francis.
At the 5A state tournament, Schartz said their biggest competition will likely be the Arkansas City duo of Ally Burr and Makenna Gonzales.
The two enter with a record of 36-1.
The same duo placed second last season after defeating Francis and Moyers in the semifinals.
The Great Bend combo placed fourth at state in 2013.
As regional champions, the Lady Panthers pair will get a first-round bye at the state tournament.
“I anticipate either a first and second seed,” Schartz said. “All regional champs and runners-up get a first-round bye.
“I kind of think of it as a disadvantage. I think it’s better to get a match in before you play a particularly difficult one.”