EXORCISING SOME DEMONS is George Mason High School’s boys tennis team. By claiming the Region 2B title, the boys made their deepest postseason run since 2013 — the last time they won both the region and state titles. The Mustangs defeated Wilson Memorial High School 5-1 to win the Region B title on May 27, setting them up to play their rival Maggie Walker Governor’s School, the reigning 2A state champions, in the state semifinals on June 4. The Mustangs pulled off a 5-4 win against their worthy opponents and overcame an obstacle head coach Rafael Diokno highlighted from the season’s start. Now it’s on to face John Battle High School at Virginia Tech in the state team finals this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. to complete Diokno and the team’s final goal. Diokno expressed how he believes this team is hungrier than any other he’s coached before. Saturday offers the Mustangs a chance to prove it.

SHOWING THEIR OWN SKILLS on the court is George Mason High School’s girls tennis team. After struggling to assert themselves in regional competition the past few seasons, the girls finally captured the Region 2B title to end a five year drought. Earning the right to be named regional champions came after a narrow victory over East Rockingham High School. The match was tied at 4-4 until Maria Morris and Ciel Park won the final set of their doubles match to clinch the regional crown. Competing in the state tournament days later, the Mustangs moved past the quarterfinal round by defeating Poquoson High School. However, the girls season ended in the state semifinals due to a 12-6 loss to Maggie Walker Governor’s School earlier this week. Even though it wasn’t the storybook ending the Mustangs hoped for, it was a remarkable year for the program nonetheless.