TENNIS: Seymour wins two matches at State Tournament

LaRue County’s Michelle Seymour competed Thursday in the State Tennis Tournament at Shillito Park in Lexington.

A three-time State qualifier, Seymour, a senior, created a memorable final trip. This one will resonate with her the most, by far.

Thanks to a stronger mental focus, Seymour outlasted Covington Dixie Heights’ Brooke Warden, in a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 first-round match. But ninth-seeded Lexington Catholic senior Emily Risner ended Seymour's run in the second round, 6-1, 6-2. Seymour thought Risner hit the ball harder and placed it better than any opponent she faced this season.

Seymour made back-to-back State appearances in 2009 and 2010, reaching the second round as a freshman before falling in the first round as a sophomore. After taking her junior season off to have her baby, Devin, she returned to the court for her last year. Devin was on-hand as usual for both matches, ironically watching the first one and sleeping through the second.

“It feels really good - better than it ever has. I guess because I’ve come a long way,” Seymour said. “I thought I did pretty good for sitting out a year. I thought I worked hard and impressed a lot of people, I think. I impressed myself, too. Seeing the way I advanced and seeing that I still had it and I think I got better.”