The East Columbus Lady Gators pulled out a 5-3 victory over West Columbus Wednesday in the opening round of the state 1A girls dual team tennis playoffs.

The match began on the East Columbus courts and was completed on the WHS courts when lighting became necessary.

East Columbus is representing the Waccamaw Conference in the state 1A dual team playoffs and West Columbus emerged as the top-finishing 1A team in the Southeastern Conference.

Coach Larry Thurman’s East Columbus squad will travel to play Topsail Tuesday in second-round play.

See regional results on 2B of the printed edition.

Results follow:

East Columbus 5, West Columbus 3
Singles: Stephanie Lane (EC) def. Jami Britt, 6-2, 6-0; Valerie Edwards (EC) def. Lauren Strickland, 7-6, 6-2; Victoria Seller (EC) def. Jessica Hayes, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3; Natalie Singletary (WC) def. Jana Tyler, 6-5; 7-6; Olivia Strickland (WC) def. Chaste Clark, 6-3, 6-1; Chelsea Nance (WC) def. Sierra Edwards, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6.
Doubles: Lane-Sellers (EC) def. Brittt-Hayes, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1; Tyler-Clark def. Strickland, nance, 4-6, 7-6, 6-0.