Last year, sophomore Shauna Galvin accomplished something that hadn’t been done for 40 years at Fort Worth Paschal - she became the first girl tennis player to reach the state singles tournament since Angela Bartzen in 1976.

Galvin finished third last May, but upset the No. 1 player Melissa Vizcardo of Conroe The Woodlands 6-1, 6-3 in the state quarterfinals. She would fall to the eventual 6A state champion, Sammi Gillas of New Braunfels.

Now a year older, Galvin is making news again this season, but this time reaching the 6A girls doubles state tournament with one of her closest friends, fellow sophomore Emily Buell.

The pair left Wednesday for the tournament at Texas A&M as Paschal had a state send off near the school’s tennis courts. Galvin and Buell will open play 11:30 a.m. Thursday.

“Honestly I think that’s one of the best parts of it, seeing all your friends before you go and they’re so supportive and it really gets you pumped up,” Buell said.

“We feel very supportive by everyone here at Paschal because it’s been a journey this season,” Galvin added.

Galvin and Buell started in the fall and had discussed playing together - a friendship that goes back six years. The two went on to win the District 4-6A title and earned second at the regional tournament.

“My experience at state last year was one of the best moments of my life,” Galvin said.

Buell was right there with Galvin - as her hitting partner.

“At state, it’s such intense competition and I know we’re ready for it,” Galvin said. “Emily was there with me last year so she knows what to expect.”

Over at Keller, the Indians also held a state send off for some of their tennis players.