West Lincoln’s ninth grade twin sisters Kara and Katy Clark made it look easy this year as they overpowered their competition in girls’ doubles tennis matches throughout the regular season and in the playoffs.

The Clark sisters participated in the MHSAA State Individual Tennis Tournament last Thursday and Friday, May 1-2, with one thing on their mind – to win gold.

Katy and Kara blew threw the tournament defeating East Marion 6-0, 6-0 in the first round; Union 6-0, 6-0 in the second round and East Webster 6-1, 6-0 in the semifinals to get to the finals.

The sisters made it back to the finals for the second year in a row, but this time they were not going to be satisfied unless they won gold. Kara and Katy brought home silver last year as eighth graders. This year, they accomplished their goal by defeating Madison St. Joe 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 and made history by becoming the first West Lincoln individuals to win a state championship gold in tennis.

Kara and Katy, 14, also mentioned that they have accomplished another goal they had set for themselves prior to the start of the season – to finish the year undefeated.

After winning state gold, Kara and Katy took a couple days’ off to catch up on their school work, but returned to the courts to continue improving their skills as they look to repeat the gold-medal performance their sophomore year.

“My girls love to play,” commented by their mother Shannon Clark. “Kara and Katy have played several matches against older adults and kids from Brookhaven, Brookhaven Academy and other schools to get better.”

The girls were also excited about the season they had with their team. “We had a great season overall,” the sisters said. “West Lincoln won the Lincoln County tennis tournament, we captured the Region crown and advanced to the third round of the playoffs.”

After asking what the girls’ favorite match or enjoyable memory was, besides winning gold, Kara said she enjoyed playing against Terry High School this year. “The competition was tough but we fought through it and won 6-1, 6-1.

Katy said Natchez Cathedral is her favorite memory, based on a grudge she had since the seventh grade. “I just like to beat Cathedral.”

The Clark sisters began playing tennis three years ago to help them prepare for upcoming softball season, but unexpectedly fell in love with the game when they went through the fundamentals in the tennis quick start program the Lincoln County Recreational Department provides during the summer at City Courts.

Today, the sisters still participate in the summer program where they volunteer to help recreational instructors train younger boys and girls that are interested in playing tennis.

West Lincoln will have a young team returning next year after losing six seniors to graduation, but the future looks bright for the team as these girls will work to help the team improve.