JACKSON — The Natchez High tennis team didn’t have a very good showing on Monday in the Class 5A state finals, but just the fact that four teams were competing for state championships was a victory in itself.

Of the four teams that played in the finals, only the No. 2 girls doubles team of Valencia Bonds and Whitney Jackson won a game, as they fell 6-1, 6-0 to Madison Central.

The No. 2 boys doubles team of Norman Mosby and Monterro Bolden lost 6-0, 6-0 to Ocean Springs while the mixed doubles team of Antwan Ross and LaKeisha Washington fell 6-0, 6-0 to Oak Grove and Erie Wilson lost the girls singles match to Brandon 6-0, 6-0 as well.

But Natchez High assistant tennis coach Margaret Beesley said even though they didn’t get a winner on Monday, it was still a great day for the Bulldog tennis team.

“We’re extremely pleased with the progress the team is making,” Beesley said. “This trip to state we took more players than we’ve taken in the past. Our guys went out there and held their heads up, gave all they had and represented Natchez High very well.”

The team is set up to have success in the future as well, with the No. 2 girls doubles team of Monds and Jackson being eighth graders and the No. 2 boys doubles team consists of two freshmen in Mosby and Bolden.

“The future of Natchez High tennis looks bright,” Beesley said. “The eighth and ninth-graders we took (to the state tournament) today saw a level of tennis they haven’t been around yet. Hopefully it inspires them and encourages them to work harder. We hope to bring even more kids back to Jackson next year.”