By Julie Ann Grosshans

Mary Austin doesn't look for attention.

The Mountain Crest High School senior has plenty of it coming her way though as she led the Mustang tennis team to a Region 4 second place and an individual third-place finish at the state competition.

It wasn't a surprise to anyone what Austin was able to accomplish this season, especially herself.

In the first match of the year, Austin said she was just out to have fun playing tennis and ignore the hype that comes along with being the No. 1 tennis player in the region.

That she did. Austin finished region competition undefeated, often picking up victories when the rest of her team was falling to its opponents.

Her wins weren't close, either. Most came in easy 6-0, 6-0, matches.

"She's a very good player as you can see," said Logan coach Vida Saliendra. "She's well rounded in her game, a good serve. She's very tough."

Austin was a pleasant constant for Mountain Crest coach Dale Swan. After losing No. 2 singles champ Katie Thatcher last season, Swan said the team noticed it. He said Austin's experience was something that was going to carry the team.

That she did. In her final matches of the season at state, Swan said Austin played some of the most beautiful tennis he had ever watched.

"For me as a coach, it was worth the whole trip down here just to watch those matches," he said. "Playing as well as she was playing (in the tournament) was a reward for both of us. It will be a while before I can find a replacement for her."

Austin thought she played well at state but her opponent had participated in more of the larger tournaments, which gave her more of an edge. The Mustang fell 7-5, 6-1.

Although rumors have surfaced that Austin will continue her tennis career by becoming an Aggie after high school graduation, she is not quick to confirm them. She said she will keep playing tennis on her own.

For now though, Austin has other plans in mind. "I'm just going to get out the basketball and begin basketball season," she said.

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