Union Pines defeated Chapel Hill 7-2 in the opening round of the NCHSAA dual team tennis playoffs Tuesday at the John S. Frye Tennis Facility.

After singles play was completed, the Lady Vikings led 4-2. Before the match began, Union Pines head coach John Frye had told his team that these type competitions are rarely decided prior to putting all nine matches on court.

“Even though we had a 4-2 advantage after singles, our goal was to sweep the doubles,” he said. “It is dangerous to go on court thinking one failure is okay, because we still have two chances to win. We wanted all three duos focused and eager.

Heeding their coaches’ warning, Union Pines swept the three doubles matches to make the final margin 7-2

“Our doubles was the best we have had this season,” Frye said. “It’s great to play your best with so much on the line. Chapel Hill belongs to the same ilk as Scotland and Pinecrest, and having played these two teams during the regular season boded well for us. Our girls were excited, but not awed by the challenge. We took our opponents best shots and stroked returns at a higher level.

Sophomores Melissa Tally and Madi Kramer both reached the 61 career victories plateau at Union Pines on the day. Tally is 61-7 and Kramer is 61-4.

The Vikings improved to 16-1 overall with the victory and advance on to the district round of the playoffs, as the first-seed from the CFVC, where they will face Williams (17-1, Mid-State one-seed) next Tuesday in Burlington.

SINGLES: Danielle Cohen, CH d. Tally, UP 6-2, 6-1; Brittany Jones, UP d. Nicole Chang, CH 6-2, 4-6 (10-5); Kramer, UP d. Caroline Werk, CH 6-1, 6-4; Emily Werk, CH d. Laura Cameron, UP 6-2, 4-6 (11-9); Virginia Priest, UP d. Eleanor Christopher, CH 6-2, 6-0; Shannon Simpson, UP d. Jane Chen, CH 6-1, 6-4

DOUBLES: Tally-Kramer, UP d. Cohen-Chang, CH 11-9; Jones-Cameron, UP d. Werk-Werk, CH 10-6; Priest-Simpson, UP d. Cami Crammer-Jessica Ferriera, CH 10-3