BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

ASHLAND — Martin County’s breakthrough tennis season reached its final chapter May 20 as state qualifiers Chloe May and Haruka Kaibori stepped onto Kentucky’s biggest stage at the KHSAA State Tennis Tournament in Ashland, closing a year that rewrote portions of the Lady Cardinals record book.

The Martin County doubles team fell in the opening round 6-1, 6-4 to an experienced and talented opponent but showed resilience after a difficult start.

The Lady Cardinals settled into a competitive rhythm in the second set. May and Kaibori battled point-for-point, taking a 4-3 lead and showing they belonged among the state’s top competitors before their tournament run came to an end.

The appearance capped a landmark postseason for the pair. Earlier this month, May and Kaibori became the first girls doubles team in Martin County High School history to finish as 15th Region runner-up and earn a berth in the state tournament.

Head coach Josh Penix said the duo’s postseason run reflected the goals they set and the effort they put in throughout the year.

“To say I’m proud of these girls is an understatement,” Penix said. “Chloe and Haruka set a goal to make it to the state tournament and they did just that. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to coach them.”

The season also added to May’s place in the program record books. From 2024-26, she compiled school records with 35 career singles victories and 17 doubles wins while earning regional runner-up honors, a state tournament appearance and two singles quarterfinal finishes.

Senior Bryson Dials also reached a career milestone this season, setting school records with 30 singles victories and 32 doubles wins.