CARY— Britney Cloer of West Henderson won her fourth consecutive North Carolina High School Athletic Association state singles championship on Saturday, winning the 2-A crown in straight sets over Ruhsona Usmanova of the Durham School of the Arts.

Cloer won her first three titles as a Brevard High School athlete and then moved to West Henderson. Saturday’s play began with a chance of a family affair in the finals, because Britney’s freshman sister Amy was also in the semifinals. Usmanova beat Amy Cloer in a tough three-set match before falling to Britney 6-2, 6-1.

Cloer became the fourth women’s tennis player in NCHSAA history to win four consecutive state singles championships. She joins an elite club that includes Laura Cowman of Charlotte Catholic (1989-92, class A/AA), Julianne Treme of Salisbury (1993-96, class A/AA), and Kings Mountain’s Jackie Houston (1993-96, class 3-A).

The Shelby duo of Betsy Martin and Erin Mode rallied to win the doubles championship in a grueling final. Martin and Mode dropped the first set to Susie Wear and Casey Collins of Salisbury 6-3, but came back to win 6-4 and 6-2. Both of the finalists scored convincing semifinal victories in morning matches.

Wendy’s and the Carolinas Ford Dealers are the presenting sponsors of the NCHSAA sports program.

NORTH CAROLINA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

2006 STATE 2-A WOMEN’S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cary Tennis Center

Saturday’s Results

Singles—Semifinals

Ruhsona Usmanova (Durham School of the Arts) def. Amy Cloer (West Henderson) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4; Britney Cloer (West Henderson) def. Hannah Herlocker (North Stanly) 6-1, 6-1.

Singles—Championship

B. Cloer (West Henderson) def. Usmanova (DSA) 6-2, 6-1.

Doubles—Semifinals

Susie Wear-Casey Collins (Salisbury) def. Ivey Tant-Amy Curcio (Ashe County) 6-1, 6-0; Betsy Martin-Erin Mode (Shelby) def. Jasmine Burroughs-Miranda Spain (Tarboro) 6-2, 6-1.

Doubles—Championship

Martin-Mode (Shelby) def. Wear-Collins (Salisbury) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.