MCC Tennis to Ink Four Friday

MERIDIAN, Miss. - Meridian Community College tennis coach Wanda McPhail has announced the signing of four tennis players to join the Eagle tennis program.

Kayla Daughtrey, Dawson Dyess, ClaireMassey, and Bliss Pigott will ink with MCC on Friday, March 9 at 1:00 pm in the Damon Fitness Center.

Dyess comes to the MCC men’s team from Lamar School. At Lamar, Dyess helped lead the Raiders to the MPSA State Tennis title. In 2004, he was first place in number two singles. In 2003, he earned first place in the Mississippi Team Tennis Tournament. Dyess has been a member of the high school tennis team since 2001. He is also a member of the Raider soccer team and has played Meridian Youth Soccer for over a decade. Dyess has volunteered for the American Red Cross, Hurricane Katrina and is a member of Highland Baptist Church. Dawson is the son of B. J. and Cindy Dyess.

“Dawson Dyess joins a strong recruiting class and an outstanding group of returnees for 2008,” according to Coach McPhail. “Dawson could strengthen the line-up tremendously if he concentrates on his game. He has a tremendous amount of match experience and is a fundamentally sound player.”

Daughtrey comes to the MCC campus from Northeast Jones High School. Last season at NEJHS, she had a 13-2 record in doubles and placed third in her district. Currently she is ranked No. 20 in singles and No. 8 in doubles in Mississippi. In the summer of 2006, she won the summer league state championship with her squad and advanced to the Southern Sections where she earned a top-five finish. As a student, Daughtrey received the English award in 11th grade, was voted Best Dressed and is a member of the honor roll. She is the daughter of Paul and Christi Daughtrey.

Massey comes to MCC from West Lauderdale High School. She is a member of the USTA Tennis Association. Last year she participated in the Mississippi State Tennis Championship. In 2005, she participated in the State Games of Mississippi and received the silver medal in mixed doubles. In 2006, she earned the bronze medal for playing girls doubles in the State Games. In high school she was awarded "Most Improved" at WLHS. Massey has volunteered for Love's Kitchen, nursing homes, and Central United Methodist Church. Claire is the daughter of Donnie and Charlotte Massey.

Pigott comes to MCC from West Lauderdale high School. She is a member of the cheerleading squad and tennis team at WLHS. She is currently playing girls' doubles for the West Lauderdale team and is off to a great start this season. Pigott is the captain of the cheerleading squad and a member of the student council. She is a member of "Who's Who Among High School Students," national Honor Society and the WLHS Student Council. She is a two time UCA All Star Cheerleader. Bliss is the daughter of Wade Pigott and Tammy Fawcette.

“These three young ladies along with a player from Louisiana will complete the 2007-2008 Lady Eagle squad,” said MCC tennis coach Wanda McPhail. “The Lady Eagles will have more depth than any squad before them. Each of these players brings a tremendous amount of talent and work ethic to the squad. They will not only be an asset to the team but to MCC as well.”