There was no added celebration when Washington tennis player Evie Bryson defeated Webster Groves' Elena King 6-0, 6-1 in the Class 2 District 2 semifinals.
The Blue Jays junior treated the win like any of the other 15 she had recorded as her team's No. 1 player this fall.
Area qualifiers and schedule for the Missouri girls tennis individual state tournament Thursday through Saturday at Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield.
Bryson did not realize the significance of the win as she made history, becoming the first player from Washington High to qualify for the Missouri girls tennis state tournament in Springfield. The top two players from each of the eight Class 2 districts make up the field of 16 at Cooper Tennis Complex on Thursday and Friday.
"I wasn't aware of what that match meant, Bryson said. "I guess ignorance is bliss."
This is just the second year Washington has fielded a varsity girls tennis team. Washington does not have a boys team.
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"I took some tennis lessons when I was little, but it was just a local thing for me so I didn't think much of it when I found out we were going to have a high school team," Bryson said. "Volleyball was my sport at the time. But I decided to try out for the new team."
Blue Jays coach Bill Stahlhuth was glad Bryson did as she became the team's No. 1 singles player as a sophomore in the inaugural season.
"I knew she had played volleyball before, but she caught the tennis bug," Stahlhuth said. "She is a fighter on the court. Patience and determination are two of her biggest attributes."
Bryson had some growing pains in season one
"I was a little intimidated last year," Bryson said. "I had not been playing tennis for long and a lot of the girls I was facing in conference were seniors. I lost quite a bit, but that made me hungry to work hard in preparation for this season."
And the 2023 season has gone extremely well for Bryson, even before the historic district semifinal victory.
She was undefeated in 12 matches in the Gateway Athletic Conference North/Central Conference and also won the conference championship at the No. 1 singles spot.
She has lost only three times prior to the Class 2 District 2 team tournament. She lost to talented Parkway West freshman Mireya David and has lost twice, including the district final, against Mehlville's Stefanie Wong.
Despite the regular-season success, Bryson did not have high expectations in the post-season.
"I was quite shocked that I was able to get to the state tournament," Bryson said. "I never thought that was within my reach."
Bryson earned her spot to play on the biggest stage of high school tennis and is looking forward to the experience.
"I am going in with a lot of respect and humility," Bryson said. "Everybody there has earned their spot. I am mostly excited just to go. I have family coming to watch me I am excited to make it a learning experience. I am looking forward to play and also watch some of the best players in the state play. I can't wait."