RIDGELAND — Eight Green Wave tennis players will represent Cathedral High School at the MAIS AAA State Tournament today in Ridgeland.

State semifinalists include girls singles players Grace Anne White and Lessley Dooley, girls doubles pairs Paige Foster-Natalie Fletcher and Emma Hogue-Marty Lewis and mixed doubles pair Xavier Hawkins-Courtney Carter.

“A lot of them have been there before but they never passed the semifinals,” Cathedral coach Beth Foster said. “I think all our teams have a good chance of taking it this year.”

Beth said her less-seasoned tennis teams have let the stage get the best of them in past.

“They start off confident and then they start hitting careless shots,” Beth said. “They’ll even tell you, ‘I don’t know what’s going on (with my confidence).’”

Beth said her team is another year older and several players have been to the state championship several times before.

Beth pointed out that Cathedral’s No. 1 doubles team Paige and Fletcher have played in tournaments since eighth grade.

“Being through it a couple of times helps,” Beth said. “My seniors really want it this season.”

Beth said Cathedral’s squad took a hit during drills this week when Carter fell on the court. She has been nursing an injury to her hip. Beth said she suspects it is an injury to her groin muscle.

Cathedral’s head coach said Hawkins will have to cover more ground on the court to make up for his partner, who may still be hobbled by match time today.

Today’s forecasted heat is also on Beth’s mind. Temperatures are projected to be in the upper 80s, and Cathedral is scheduled to play in the early- to mid-afternoon.

“Even our last district matches were really hot,” Beth said. “They are getting three water bottles and two Gatorades. The signal is to tap their head if they need more (fluids.)”

First-round singles matches are set for 11:30 a.m. Paige and Fletcher are set to play at noon, while Hogue and Lewis will play at 12:30 p.m. Hawkins and Carter are scheduled for 1 p.m.