Sports

Lady Vikings tennis wins regional championship, punches ticket to state

The Vikings clinched the regional championship with a 4-0 win over Eastside in Gainesville, earning a return trip to the state tournament.

Jared Williams

The Fort Walton Beach High School girls tennis team is headed back to state.

The Lady Vikings captured the Region 1-2A championship on Thursday with a 4-0 win over Eastside in Gainesville, clinching the match before singles play at the No. 3, 4 and 5 spots needed to be completed.

It is the second consecutive regional title for Fort Walton Beach, which won its first in 26 years last spring.

Head Coach Pat Markey‘s squad will now travel to Seminole County for the FHSAA State Championships, set for April 27 through May 1 at Sanlando Park, Red Bug Lake Park and Sylvan Lake Park.

The No. 1 doubles team of junior Penelope Gordon and senior Reese Armstrong opened the afternoon with a dominant 4-0, 4-0 win. The No. 2 doubles team of seniors Katie Eubanks and Gabriella (Gigi) Biro had a tougher road, dropping the first set 2-4 before fighting back to take the second set 4-1 and winning the tiebreaker 10-6.

It was a familiar script for Eubanks and Biro. Earlier this season, Markey described the duo’s doubles play as the best of their four-year careers and said the No. 2 doubles spot could be the deciding factor in the postseason.

“Oftentimes that’s how you win a match with the better teams — you might split it with the singles, but if you can win both double teams, you’re going to win all the time,” Markey said ahead of the district tournament.

In singles play, Gordon, who was named Get The Coast’s Athlete of the Week, won at No. 1 with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Eastside’s Tejaswi Yatham. Armstrong followed at No. 2 with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Sarah Yan, giving Fort Walton Beach its fourth point and ending the match.

The regional title caps a season in which the Vikings went undefeated in the regular season for the second straight year and compiled a 79-18 individual match record across the roster. Senior Mary Grace Walker rounded out the starting five in the No. 5 singles spot Thursday.

Fort Walton Beach will look to build on last year’s state appearance when play begins Monday in Seminole County. Admission to the state tournament is free.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Sports

The best of 2025-26: A look back at the top 15 Okaloosa & Walton sports highlights

Sports

Fort Walton Beach High School celebrates signing day as 21 Vikings commit to next level

Sports

Fort Walton Beach softball’s season ends in extra-inning heartbreaker against Baker County

Sports

Fort Walton Beach softball books fourth straight Sweet 16 trip with 3-1 win over St. Augustine

Helen Rigdon commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“Great coverage and extremely informative from John Hofstad. Be glad he gives you A heads up and is pro active. Our County Executive does none of That.”

Respond

Patricia commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“my hope is that someway that chair can be traced to the owner who needs to see that picture”

Patty Novak commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“😢This is so sad. After seeing all that the Gulfarium does to rehabilitate other turtles, this is frustrating.”

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“4:00”

Mrs. Z commented on Superintendent Chambers addresses accusations, supports the 3 incumbents in upcoming election

“Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Chambers. I will not be voting for the three candidates you recommended. It’s interesting how you have spent years making sure students are held...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“1:22, 4 attempts”

Timothy W Yelverton commented on Col. Terrance Keithley takes command of 96th Test Wing at Eglin

“I sure hope he will change the hunting regulations and let us hunt during the week days this year.”

Brenda J Castillo commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A compromise would be to reduce property taxes for all senior citizens, with restrictions for newcomers. Without restrictions, too many seniors would flock here. Maybe seniors who have their homes...”

Robin commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“Just heartbreaking.”

Neal Brickner commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A 3 percent reduction on a budget that's almost doubled in 6 years. Come on. How could they possibly do it? They might actually have to drive their personal vehicle...”