TRIBUNE/Matthew Gorry
TRIBUNE/Matthew Gorry
Elkin’s Tyler Macy captured the 1A state championship Saturday in his third-straight title match appearance.
TRIBUNE/Matthew Gorry
Elkin’s Tyler Macy was crowned the 1A state champion Saturday after a comeback victory over Jacob Fuqua, 7-6(3), 6-2.
Matthew Gorry
Sports Writer
ELKIN - As the old saying goes, the third time’s a charm.
Elkin’s Tyler Macy’s third trip to the 1A state championship match Saturday at the Cary Tennis Center finally resulted in the junior’s first state title in a hard-fought, come-from-behind victory over Hendersonville’s Jacob Fuqua, 7-6(3), 6-2.
“I’ve been in the finals the last couple years, but I was never able to close it out,” he explained. “But finally, I was able to finish it out this year.”
Macy, who lost in the finals in his first two seasons, was able to break through in his third try and capture the state crown in a redemption match of his own. Fuqua handed the junior his only loss of the season in last week’s Midwest Regionals semifinals.
“He beat me at regionals, but I came back and got it in the finals,” Macy said. “It was pretty close. I got down 5-1 in the first set and came back and grinded it out and won 7-6, 6-2. It was a good match.”
Head coach Tony Duncan said it was the best match he had ever seen his No. 1 play. A usually vocal Macy was quiet, determined and focused on the court, according to Duncan.
Heading into his senior year, Macy said he has his sights set on a fourth-straight title match appearance and second-straight championship.
“I’m going to try and get another title,” he explained. “It has been a goal for me to win a couple state championships. So, see what I can do. I need to keep training hard and give it everything I have again and hopefully get another one.”
Since collegiate rules prohibit programs from recruiting before July 1 after a player’s junior year, Macy has not heard anything regarding playing at the next level. But he has not ruled out the option.
“I haven’t decided yet,” he said. “Since you can’t recruit until July 1 after your junior year, we’ll see.”
Reach Matthew Gorry at 835-1513 or mgorry@heartlandpublications.com.
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