Senior Lauryn Justice's high school tennis season ended last weekend at the 2A West Regional.
Her tennis career, however, is far from being complete.
Justice, South's No. 1 player over the last two years, will play tennis in college at Methodist University.
"I've basically played tennis nonstop for four years," Justice said. "I've put in all of my life thus far into it. It's just been a lot of dedication to the sport, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Justice got on Methodist's radar screen when she met members of the coaching staff at United States Tennis Association sponsored tournaments.
Justice already knew plenty about Methodist, a Division III school, because she is interested in a certain major the school offers.
"I've had my heart set on Methodist since freshman year," she said. "They have a major, professional tennis management. Only three schools in the country offer that. I want to either run my own tennis academy or teach tennis ... the rest of my life. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Justice made it to the second round of last week's regional before succumbing to both her opponent and exhaustion.
She advanced into the round of eight after a grueling 7-6, 4-6, 6-3 win over Maiden's Megan Moose in the first round.
"That match lasted about three hours and 45 minutes," Justice said. "I was about to die I was so tired."
The victory was worth it, though.
Moose was unbeaten in Catawba Valley Athletic Conference play this year and beat Justice in the CVAC tournament semifinals.
"I felt vindicated," Justice said. "It was worth it."
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