This trip marked the third straight year that the Raiders have made the UIL Class 4A state tournament and their second title in that time after picking up gold in 2022.
Capturing a second state title required the Raider netters to get past No. 1-ranked Wimberly in the semifinals on Wednesday morning. A split set victory for their number three boys’ doubles team of Lando Ingersoll and Eli Godwin, 7-5, 3-6, (8), gave Randall a 4-3 lead headed into singles play.
“That was a huge win for us,” Randall head coach Darby Norman said. “Mentally, it means everything to have that one match advantage headed to singles.”
In singles plays the Raiders leaned on the power of their girls to take five of six matches which meant they only needed one win on the boys’ side to advance. That win came via junior Keaton Daniels who notched a 6-2, 4-6, (4) hard fought split set win.
“The girls have been solid,” Norman said. “We relied on them all year long. Keaton’s win was huge for us and helped clinched that victory”.
Doubles play was again a catalyst for the Raiders in the finals match against Wills Point.
Daniels and Jazzy Phillips were the final doubles match on the court with Randall holding a 4-2 lead.
The pressure of the entire venue watching didn’t faze the Randall duo as they rallied in the second set tiebreaker to win 7-6, 7-6 and give Randall a big 5-2 lead.
“That win took some of the wind out of their sails,” Norman said. “That really gave us confidence heading into singles play.”
Once again, it was the girls who helped the Raiders extend that lead. Kynley Craddock, Lily Harding, LynnLee Ramirez and freshman Abri Hays all notched wins and another freshman, Jensen Betzen, brought it home on the boys’ side to secure a gold medal over the fourth ranked Tigers.
Finishing the season with a gold medal and an incredible 34-1 record left the seasoned Norman in awe.
“I’m just so proud of our program,” Norman said. “It’s just amazing how our kids buy in, year in and year out, and that hard work paid off”.
