Two of Tooele High School’s top players were unable to compete in the region tennis tournament last week, but the Buffaloes still managed to qualify six players for Friday’s 4A state tournament at Liberty Park.

First singles player Megan Heder strained her back late in the season and the injury worsened to where she could not raise her arm above her head. Another top player, Kenna Stewart, was also out because of injury.

Sophomore Alyssa Gamble filled in at first singles and nearly qualified for state. “I am so proud of Alyssa. She faced the region’s second best player right off the bat and she wasn’t even a bit intimidated and battled hard in the match,” said coach Ryan Harris.

Jenny Jasper replaced Kenna Stewart and teamed with Amanda Dunn to qualify for state in second doubles.

“The match of the tournament for us was the one involving Jenny Jasper and her partner Amanda Dunn in second doubles,” Harris said. “Needing to win the match to qualify for state, they lost the first set in a tie-breaker and were sluggish early in the second, but they strengthened their resolve, took the second, and won the third set convincingly.” The scores were 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-2.

At second singles Tooele’s Kylee Harris defeated Payson’s Muriel Pullen 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 to qualify for state. At third singles Megan Bresee made quick work of Payson’s Rebekah Wells 6-1, 6-1 to qualify.

Tooele’s first doubles team of Paige Dimond and Amanda Bento defeated Payson’s Annie Morris and Brittany Snow 6-2, 6-2 to earn a trip to the state tourney.

Mark Watson: mwatson@tooeletranscript.com