Boerne tennis qualifies three entries to state tournament

SAN ANTONIO – Boerne High sent four players in three events to this year’s Region IV-4A tennis tournament at Blossom and all three entries finished in the top two to advance out of regionals and to the state tournament.

The 4A state tournament is set for Friday – Saturday, May 16-17 in San Antonio.

Ben Rowe and Nick Dube teamed up in boys doubles and took first place, while Justin Barraza won the boys singles title and Owen Labay placed second in boys singles.

Barraza and Labay met in the finals and both admitted it was tough playing against a teammate.

“It’s hard because you know each other’s strategies,” Barraza said.

Labay said both gave it their best shot.

“We just try to keep it friendly,” he said. “It’s competition but it’s all just a game at the end of the day.”

Rowe partnered with Barraza in boys doubles last year and they made it to state. Rowe didn’t start playing with Dube until this year and admitted it took some adjusting.

“At the beginning it was hard switching partners but me and Nick became really good friends,” he said. “We play all the time, it was hard at the beginning but we became friends and doubles partners.”

Dube said they bonded quickly.

“Our chemistry on and off the court has really led to our success,” he said.

The fantastic four are young. Barraza, Dube and Rowe are sophomores and Labay is just a freshman.

Barraza has made it to state two years in a row in two different events.

“It’s a big accomplishment going to state again,” he said. “It’s a good feeling.” Rowe said he has one goal with his new doubles partner.

“We want to win real bad,” he said.

Dube shook his head in agreement.

“The goal is to win,” he added.

Labay said it means a lot to him to make it to state in his first year of high school tennis.

“I’ve never been to state, so it’s going to be a great experience, especially since I’m a freshman,” he said. “It sounds great.”

NOTES: Boerne Champion had several athletes playing in the Region IV-5A tournament in Corpus Christi this weekend, Friday and Saturday. For results of their tourney, see the Boerne Star.