Dollar advances to regional tournament next week

The Newcastle Ladycats competed in their district tournament matchups Monday, April 21 in Mineral Wells. When the day had concluded one of their own advanced to the regional tournament after an exceptional performance. 

Mattie Dollar won the girls singles tournament at the event to qualify for the regional championships. According to head coach Ryan Dollar, much of this had to do with getting off to a hot start in the tournament. 

Dollar won both of her opening matches 6-0 on a path that led her all the way to the championship match against Woodson. With coach Dollar and her teammate Rae’Lynn Bennet watching on, Dollar led the way in a tightly contested matchup. 

Coach Dollar said that both opponents fought hard in the competition, but Dollar has a fierce playing style and her determination to win led to her slamming the door shut and punching her ticket to the regional championships. 

Outside of being a great competitor, coach Dollar also praised the Ladycats athlete for being an exceptional leader as well. 

“She’s great. She leads the right way and works hard,” coach Dollar said. 

Now all focus shifts to the regional championships where Dollar will be on her biggest stage yet this season. Despite the pressure an athlete can face in these situations, coach Dollar believes that won’t be much of a problem for Dollar to face. 

“She’s been in the biggest situations,” coach Dollar said. “That stuff doesn’t really bother her.” 

Coach Dollar referenced her achievements in other sports like track and field where she has reached similar stages. 

Dollar and her coach also keep a consistent training regimen. They practice about 2-3 times per week according to coach Dollar in order to make sure she is prepared for these kinds of events. 

Dollar will parktake in the regional championships Wednesday and Thursday, May 7-8 in order to keep her state tournament hopes alive.