The Lady Red Raiders, who won nine consecutive titles from 2011-19, picked up their first title since the COVID-19 pandemic by dispatching of the Lady Fighting Irish in relatively easy fashion. It was a rewarding ending to the team prep tennis career of Baylor senior Margarette Berdy, who had been in the lineup in state finals losses the past three years.
The 2024 title came down to Knox Catholic winning the last match on the court.
"I didn't get over last year for a long time," Berdy said. "I think a lot of us dwelled on it for a really, really long time, for me and I think for a lot of the girls, so we really focused on every practice on getting better and being prepared.
"Last year was the biggest driving factor for all of our practices. We put the blood, sweat and tears into it starting the first day of school, so this is special for us."
Berdy and Anne Cullen lost 8-2 at No. 1 while Evie Mahler and Molly Donovan won 8-3 at No. 2 to secure the doubles point for the Lady Red Raiders, with singles victories coming from No. 2 Proffitt, 6-1, 6-1, No. 3 Evie Mahler, 6-4, 6-0, and No. 6 Finlay, 6-0, 6-1.
Finlay was a five-year member of the varsity team and went 6-0 in singles in four appearances at the state tournament. She also went 3-0 in doubles, winning both of her matches in the 2024 tourney.
The Baylor Lady Red Raiders secured the girls' team state championship by defeating Knoxville Catholic 4–0 in the finals. Their path to the title included a 4–0 semifinal win over Ensworth.
These victories add to Baylor School's impressive record, as they continue to hold the distinction of having won more TSSAA state championships than any other school in Tennessee .
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