Lady Tiger tennis coach Janet Reddick confirmed that for the first time in Bradwell Institute’s history, the girls tennis team played in the state playoffs last week.

Although they didn’t win, she said the entire squad benefitted from the experience.

"It was a great experience for the girls and for me," Reddick said.

Lady Tiger Jilian Gonzales broke her foot during warm-up and the coach said the rest of the squad did their best to rally for their injured teammate.

"It was a precious outpouring of affection and compassion for a teammate," Reddick said. "Although we did not win, I do not know when I have been more proud of a team."

The Lady Tiger squad was defeated by Chapel Hill High School in the state playoff game April 22. Chapel Hill took all five games.

However, Reddick said the camaraderie and her team’s willingness to help the injured player was their moral victory.

"All the girls rallied around Jilian by giving up their pillows on the way home," she said. "They chose not to stop and eat so we could get her home."