The Thatcher boys tennis team was unable to win its third straight state championship Saturday at the Phoenix Tennis Center, but all things considered, it was another season of success for the Eagles.

Not even the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s decision to join Class 2A with 3A could stop Thatcher from reaching the state finals.

Phoenix Country Day, which Thatcher beat for the title in 2006 and 2007, held off a spirited effort by Jared Wright and a winning effort (at the time of stoppage) by Joey Elkins to win the match 5-0.

The Thathcer boys tennis team, which finished second at the 2A/3A state tournament, includes from left, coach Drew Christensen, coach Don Riddle, Joey Elkins, Adam Wright, Dallin Christensen, Brandt Woods, Jared Wright, Davis Kempton, head coach Rock Clonts and coach Jeff Wiltbanks. Photo by Brian Wright

Wright won his first set 6-2 and dropped the second 4-6 against Nabdeep Khera before his serve was broken in the final game of the third set, and he lost 4-6.

Elkins split his first two sets with Steven Corey and was up 5-2 in the third when the match was called, and Phoenix Country Day won 5-0.

“Our expectations this year were to make it to the finals after we saw the draw (of the playoff bracket),” Thatcher head coach Rock Clonts said. “Actually, they exceeded my expectations a bit.”

The first two rounds of the state tourney were a breeze for the two-time defending champions. Thatcher defeated South No. 2 seed Tucson Desert Christian 9-0 in the first round May 5 and rocked Central No. 1 seed Antelope 8-1 in the semifinals Friday.

“When it came to tournament time, that’s when the kids really progressed,” Clonts said.

Thatcher had a big hole to fill in 2008 without former state champion singles player Tyler Clonts.

“You can’t lose a Tyler Clonts and not suffer some for it, but Dallin (Christensen) stepped up in a leadership role and did a really good job,” assistant coach Don Riddle said.

Riddle also praised the vast improvement of juniors Elkins, Wright and Brandt Woods and said senior Adam Wright came through with some big wins.

It looked certain the Thatcher girls team would join the boys team in the finals after the Lady Eagles took a commanding lead in the semifinals Friday.

Thatcher went up 4-0 against Florence (two matches were forfeited) before the Lady Gophers made a miraculous comeback to win 5-4 and advance to the finals.

It was a tough way to end the season, but the girls have a very young team that should compete for a state title in 2009.

Thatcher girls coach Glenna Clonts said Friday’s match was exciting and that her team played some good tennis. Unfortunately for the Eagles, they couldn’t finish.

Florence went on to lose to Tucson Pusch Ridge 0-5 in the finals.