A busy day for the Class 1A and 3A 2017 State Tennis Championships. Three different locations all over Seminole County.

We start at Sylvan Lake Park where the 1A Tournament is took place.

St. Stephens’ Dan Li played Sagemont’s Ignacio Martinez with state gold on the line. Li dropped the first set 6-7 and then was forced to retire due to cramping down 1-0 in the second set. But he would recover and claim a state championship in doubles with his partner Max Damm, 6-7(5; 6-4; 11-9.

“It was an amazing experience,” the St. Stephens sophomore said. “Yeah, I was trying to win this match, but my legs just cramped.”

Prior to his doubles match, while still dealing with his cramps, Li talked about his motivation to get his body ready.

“I don’t want to get two second place finishes, so I’m trying to work hard in doubles.”

One court over, Sam DiMaio of Trinity Prep was in the 1A individual final. Seffner Christian’s Harris Caldwell was the opponent. These two actually faced each other on Saturday in a USTA tournament with Caldwell getting the win. But today, it’s DiMaio taking home gold with a 7-6 (3), 6-2 win. She would also claim a state title in doubles with her partner Lindsey Greenwood, 7-6(6); 4-6; 10-8.

“I’m so thrilled,” the Trinity Prep junior said. “Ever since my freshman year I’ve wanted to be a state champ and there’s always been certain people that I didn’t beat. I’m beyond words, I’m so excited.”

The 1A team competition took place at Red Bug Lake Park. Windemere Prep vying for a state title against St. Andrews. But after a tiebreaker in the semis the Lakers didn’t have enough in the tank, falling 4-1.

“We didn’t come into the state championships with any expectations really,” Windemere Prep head coach Mandy Rosenfield said. “We pulled it out somehow.”

At Sanlando for class 3A. The Viera boys played for an individual doubles title, but they fell to Mourning high school out of Miami 6-2, 6-3. Class 2A and 4A competitions begin Wednesday.

OTHER WINNERS:
3A Girls Individual Singles: Jessica Stefan (Boca Ciega) def. April Sanchez (Atlantic Coast). 7-5; 6-1