HOW SHE FARED: As Augusta Christian's No. 1 singles player, Sprankle cruised past Shannon Beck, the top singles player for St. Joseph's, in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0. She later paired up with Savannah Stapleton in a doubles match, winning 8-4 over Olivia Baumgarten and Katelyn Forry. The two wins were the difference as Augusta Christian defeated St. Jospeh's 5-4 in a key region matchup.
SPRANKLE ON SPRANKLE: "I really embraced the role of No. 1 singles, especially being a new upperclassman this year. We have a lot of new girls, a lot of younger girls. The only other upperclassman on our team is Sabrina Tam, and we've become like the mothers of the team. ... I love the challenge of playing the other top players."
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "She's a very strong player; strong with the forehand and strong with backhand. She's got great mobility. She's really just an extremely gifted athlete with a lot of natural athletic ability. She's a lot of fun (to coach), too. I can't imagine the team without her." -- coach Leslie Dawson
To nominate a player, e-mail joey.jones@augustachronicle.com.
MELINA SPRANKLE
SCHOOL: Augusta Christian
CLASS: Junior
HT.: 5-foot-5
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