As the sun began to set and the lights came on at Annapolis High School, it was Xiaosong Shang who raised her game to the next level to defeat Samantha Grim of Arundel 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the Girls' Singles County Championship last night.

After falling in the final a year ago, Shang was determined to make up for it this year.  After a well played first set by Grim, Shang settled into her game took control of the pace and the match.  Her match earned the Seahawks six points as a team, and she will head to the Regional Championships next weekend to defend her title of a year ago.

In girls' doubles action South River's number two team fell in the fifth place game 3-8 to Wilson and Gayet of Severna Park.  Sophomore Hannah Parks and Freshmen Katie Simmons finished in sixth place earning one point for the team.  The duo will play for the Regional Championship next weekend.

The number one doubles team of Sam Simmons and Mary Duggan had a tough re-match in the semifinals with Broadneck.  After a long three sets it was Broadneck who was able to hit the right shot in the critical moments and pull out the victory.  Simmons and Duggan would face Arundel in the third place game, another three setter, and another tough loss.  This one came 1-6, 6-1, 1-6.  Simmons and Duggan finished in fourth place and earned three points for the team.  They will head to the Regional Championships next week.

The mixed doubles team of Liz Simmons and Sean Miller won their first match last night 8-2 against Chesapeake to qualify for regionals.  Afterwards, the tandem teamed for an 8-5 win over Old Mill which earned fifth place, better seeding for regionals and two team points for South River.

In consolation action, Senior Ryan Fleming played excellent tennis leading himself to a victory over Brandon Keech of Broadneck.  The win earned 7th place for Fleming who is the first alternate at boys' singles for regionals.

South River earned 12 points as a team, good enough for a fifth place finish at the County Championships.  The team heads to Regional Championships next Friday and Saturday.

Day one of Regional Championships is Friday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. at North Point High School in Waldorf.  The final day will be Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Annapolis High School.