When last we left Dragon Team Tennis they were soldiering through "the longest day" for the most dramatic two wins in school history - or so we thought. Until 8:30 this morning, anyways, the Dragons met up with the defending state champions The Woodlands Highlanders for a very early match for such high level tennis. This friends is State Semi-finals.

The Dragons seem to have their way early, jumping out to a commanding 6-2 lead in doubles. A reminder in UIL Team Tennis - first to 10 wins. Slowly, as Singles play began, the defending state champs worked their way back, cutting into the seemingly safe lead. The Highlanders trimmed the lead down to two points. The entire season would rest on two matches. The Dragons needed only a single tally to advance while the defending champs needed to sweep the remaining matches to have a chance to defend. As every single Dragon gathered around two courts the day hung in the balance. Isabella De Fazio in girls singles #6 and Carlos Poggi in boys singles #6 were frantically dueling the Woodland's opponents. Bella took the opening set 6-1 and built a 3 Love lead in set #2. While Carlos dropped the opening set of his singles match but commanded the second and forced a winner take all third set.

Meanwhile, back on girls court 6 the Woodlands would not go quietly into the good afternoon as many hours had passed since the 8:30 am opening serve. De Fazio was seeing her steady lead chiseled away at. Each competitor had a break of serve in the second set so De Fazio led 5-3 just a single game away from tomorrow with advancement on her racquet. Bella took the opening point and then saw The Woodlands rattled off the next 3 to be one point away from forcing a second set tie break. Ever the champion, Bella took the next point. So here we set - deuce and 5-3. One point for another set or another day.

Each play in the two matches still on court carried the weight of the season. When suddenly Celebration! - because Bella won the last point. Instantaneously History - as for the first time ever your Dragon Team Tennis team will play for the UIL Team Tennis State Championship!

It's another early rise for one more day as the Dragons take on Houston Memorial who upset previously undefeated Round Rock Westwood to earn their trip to the title game.

So, one more match, one more 8:30 am first serve with a championship on the line. Just another time to play together.