TREASURE ISLAND - Largo sophomore Alexis Franco won the Class 3A, District 10 No. 1 singles championship Wednesday at Treasure Bay Golf and Tennis Club, outlasting Ashley Bongart of Lakewood Ranch 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5).
“I’m so excited and happy,” Franco said. “She is ranked ahead of me (in the U.S. Tennis Association rankings) so I knew she was a good player.”
After dropping the first set, Franco battled back in what became a 2 1/2-hour marathon. Her win helped Largo finish second overall and earn a spot in next week’s region semifinals. Even if Largo does not advance to the state tournament, Franco is guaranteed a spot in the individual state tournament.
“I just told myself to forget about the first set,” said Franco, who is playing high school tennis for the first time. “I think it was key that I held my serve and put the pressure on her.”
Teammate Laurel Wagner defeated Jayla Smith of Osceola 6-0, 6-7, 6-0 in No. 2 singles. The overall girls winner was Venice with 21 points. Largo earned 16 points.
Franco and Wagner won No. 1 doubles and will also play in the state individual tournament.
In the boys tournament, Sarasota and Venice took the top two spots.