05/01/2026
Sparta Tennis Claims Region 3A Runner-Up; Warriors and Warriorettes Show Championship Character
SPARTA, TN — The White County Warriors and Warriorettes walked off the courts this week with more than just a trophy; they left with the respect of the region. In a hard-fought Region 3A final against the Signal Mountain Eagles, both Sparta squads secured the Runner-Up plaque, proving that while the scoreboard favored the opponent, the heart of the match belonged to White County.
Signal Mountain took the titles with a 5-0 win over the boys and a 4-0 victory over the girls. However, the final scores don’t tell the full story of a night defined by grit, defensive brilliance, and an unwavering commitment to sportsmanship in the face of adversity.
Standout Performances at the #2 Spot
The highlight of the evening came from the #2 singles positions, where juniors Ethan Wiles and Tegan Rittenberry pushed their opponents to the limit.
Tegan Rittenberry: Faced with an aggressive offensive opponent, Rittenberry put on a defensive show. The highlight of her match was a stunning "thread-the-needle" passing shot; after sprinting 30 feet to reach a short-angled volley, she flicked a winner down the line that left the crowd in awe and her opponent applauding. Her high-speed, high-percentage first serve remained a weapon throughout the contest though she lost to an admirable opponent in the end.
Ethan Wiles: Wiles earned the distinction of being the only Warrior to take a set from his opponent on the night. Relying on smart drop shots and a relentless attack on second serves, Wiles dominated early with a 6-2 lead. He was inches away from a straight-sets victory, leading 5-3 at deuce, before a controversial call shifted the momentum. His all-court play and smart shot placement still held strong though eventually falling in a third set tiebreak.
Match Results
Region 3A Championship: Signal Mountain vs. White County
Boys Team Results (Signal Mountain 5, White County 0)
Singles #1: Signal Mountain def. John Durfee (WC) 6-0, 6-1
Singles #2: Signal Mountain def. Ethan Wiles (WC) 2-6, 6-7(7), 7-10
Singles #3: Signal Mountain def. Solomon Hawkins (WC) 6-0, 6-1
Singles #4: Signal Mountain def. Ben Brogden (WC) 6-4, 6-0
Singles #5: Signal Mountain def. Rhoane Whorton (WC) 6-1, 6-3
Doubles #1: John Durfee / Ethan Wiles (WC) vs. Signal Mountain 4-7 (DNF)
Doubles #2: Ben Brogden / Solomon Hawkins (WC) vs. Signal Mountain (DNF)
Girls Team Results (Signal Mountain 4, White County 0)
Singles #1: Signal Mountain def. Lorelei Bouldin (WC) 6-1, 6-1
Singles #2: Signal Mountain def. Tegan Rittenberry (WC) 6-2, 6-3
Singles #3: Signal Mountain def. Sadie Benningfield (WC) 6-0, 6-3
Singles #4: Signal Mountain def. Olivia Flaminio (WC) 6-2, 6-0
Singles #5: Katelyn Howard (WC) vs. Signal Mountain (DNF)
Doubles #1: Lorelei Bouldin / Sadie Benningfield (WC) vs. Signal Mountain (DNF)
Doubles #2: Tegan Rittenberry / Olivia Flaminio (WC) vs. Signal Mountain (DNF)
Moving Forward in Warrior Pride
For our Warrior and Warriorette tennis teams of 2026, your team season may have come to an end, but we, your coaches, fans, and school administrators are immensely proud of you.
Now hold your head high and let’s battle in the Region 3 individual tournament on Monday! The Warriors and Warriorettes will compete next in the Region 3 Individual Tournament this Monday, May 4. Stand tall, Sparta!
To view all Topher & Renee Goff's photos from District & Region, click this link to download from a Google Photos Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YVwK36TxqDUXs1cu7
