Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, October 26, 1993                   TAG: 9310260111
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GIRLS PLAY 6-HOUR TENNIS MATCH

In the first match of the team competition at River's Edge Sports Complex, William Fleming junior Amy Johnson and Franklin County junior Emily Hunt began play at 9:30 a.m. and didn't leave the court until six hours later, with Johnson winning 6-7 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-3).

Fleming coach Dave Spangler, the tournament director, said the match was the longest he has seen or heard of in 20 years of coaching high school tennis. On the sunny day, play was not interrupted by rain, and the players took only the allowed breaks when they switched sides and between sets.

Spangler said the players, both playing cautiously from the baselines, sometimes hit the ball 60 times - their amazed teammates kept count - before an error was made. They also had many deuce points and made many lobs. The two had met before, with Johhson winning in straight sets.

William Fleming won the team match 5-4.

In the individual competition, Amy Speas of Patrick Henry won the district singles championship and a spot in next week's Northwestern Region tournament at Woodbridge. She defeated Debra Masters of Cave Spring 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.

In doubles, Sharon Vitter and Debra Masters of Cave Spring advanced to the today's 9 a.m. final against Amanda Bounds and Sarah Miller of Patrick Henry.

The team competition starts today, with Patrick Henry playing William Fleming and Cave Spring playing Pulaski County. The championship is Wednesday at 3 p.m. The winning team advances to next week's Northwestern Region tournament at Woodbridge.