Houston Area Tennis Players Shine at UIL State Championships in San Antonio

The UIL State Tennis Championships at Northside Tennis Center in San Antonio showcased the depth of talent across the Houston area, with multiple schools claiming state titles in Class 5A and 6A competition.

In Class 6A girls singles, The Woodlands' Joana Chaudhary battled through a grueling 2.5-hour match to defeat Mackenzie Baptiste of El Paso Coronado 6-3, 6-7, 6-2. Chaudhary's conditioning proved decisive in the three-set marathon.

Houston Memorial's Joseph Eliascovitch and Katherine Shan captured the 6A mixed doubles championship, defeating Clear Lake's Danielle Nelligan and Karina Riva 6-5, 6-2. Eliascovitch's serve and powerful backhands combined with Shan's competitive mentality and previous singles state championship experience to secure the Mustangs' victory over the Falcons.

Katy Seven Lakes made its mark in 6A boys doubles as Alan Chiu and Matt Komon defeated Strake Jesuit College Prep's Brandon Brown and Sebastian Despres 6-3, 6-4.

Fort Bend Clements made history in 6A girls doubles when Justine Eskimos and Angela Shu edged out their own teammates Natasha Roslin and Isabella Young 6-4, 6-1. The title marked the first state tennis championship for Clements and Fort Bend ISD. Eskimos, who won the mixed doubles title last year, added a second state championship alongside Shu.