Updated: Area teams fare well at USTA SC Combo Doubles League State Championships
Shannon Lurkin thought her team's streak was over.
The past two years, Lurkin's Hilton Head Island team had won a state title at the USTA South Carolina Combo Doubles League State Championships and advanced to the USTA Combo Doubles Southern Sectional Championships.
During this weekend's state championships, though, Lurkin's team finished second in its division. But then the ladies learned some good news: They had received a wild card and could again advance to the USTA Southern championships.
Lurkin's team is one of five Hilton Head Island teams that finished as a finalist or won a league state championship during the 2015 USTA South Carolina Combo Doubles League State Championships, which started Thursday in Beaufort County.
Nearly 2,700 tennis players participated in the championships, that were played at 12 area facilities, including Palmetto Dunes, the official host site. This year's event drewthe top 243 teams from across the state.
"This is kind of an opportunity for all of us who are friends to play together," Lurkin, whose team plays its home league matches at Shipyard Plantation, said in a release. "We have a lot of camaraderie."
The teams, which represent various clubs, parks, recreational departments and organizations, made it to Beaufort County because they finished at the top of their local leagues. Most of the teams are vying for chances to represent South Carolina at the Combo Doubles Southern Sectional Championships in March 2016, when teams from nine states are scheduled to compete.
In all, 28 league state championships in four age divisions - 18 and over, 40 and over, 55 and over and 65 and over - were decided.
For complete results, visit http://bit.ly/1GfdHDG.
Area Finalists (through Sunday)
Champions
55 and Over -- 8.5 Men
Hilton Head Island, Captain David Dockum
40 and Over -- 8.5 Women
Hilton Head Island, Captain Jan O'Neill
18 and Over -- 9.5 Women
Hilton Head Island, Michelle Clark
Runners-up (*received wild-card)
65 and Over -- 6.5 Women
Hilton Head Island, Captain Geraldine Gutweniger
55 and Over -- 8.5 Women
Hilton Head Island*, Captain Shannon Lurkin
55 and Over -- 8.5 Men
Hilton Head Island, Captain Wes Breinich
This story was originally published October 19, 2015 at 7:42 PM with the headline "Updated: Area teams fare well at USTA SC Combo Doubles League State Championships."