WEST LEBANON — The Lebanon and Hanover tennis programs were recognized for their work and success this season, as the New Hampshire Tennis Coaches Association announced its award recipients and All-State Team selections this month.
The Hanover girls took home some accolades in Division I, as the Bears earned the team sportsmanship award. Sophia Costa was named to the All-State 1st Team, while her teammate Julia Lawe made the All-State 2nd Team. The Bears were eliminated from the NHIAA D-I tournament in the semifinals by Bedford.
In Division II, the Lebanon boys’ tennis team was given the team sportsmanship award. Additionally, the Raiders’ Kyle Hines was named to the All-State 2nd Team. The Raiders were bounced from the NHIAA D-II tournament by Hollis-Brookline in the quarterfinals.
The champions of the NHIAA D-III girls tournament avenged their only loss of the season in the finals against Gilford, in a thrilling comeback from a 4-2 deficit after singles play. In addition to winning the title, the Raiders were recognized with the sportsmanship award, and head coach Rob Johnstone won the Co-Coach of the Year award. Laura Hines and Mariana Utell were named to the All-State 1st Team.
All-State Team selections are conducted through a nomination process in which coaches nominate players of theirs they feel are deserving of the recognition.
After nominations are made, the names are then sent to the coaches, who fill out their own 1st and 2nd teams.
1st Team votes are worth two points, and 2nd Team votes are worth one point, with the top six making the 1st Team and the next six making the 2nd Team.
The Sportsmanship and Coach of the Year awards are presented through a vote, where coaches are unable to select themselves or their own teams.
