ANDERSON — As it turned out, the celebration that ensued along the Highland High School tennis courts after Friday afternoon’s sectional title match had two purposes.

On one hand, the Anderson girls tennis team and the program supporter’s provided cupcakes and balloons for an impromptu farewell to thank parting head coach Bill Thomas for his 34 years of service.

A few yards away in the Scots’ hands, there was an engraved wooden trophy, measuring more than a foot in height with nearly a dozen pairs of smiles circling around it.

“It’s really exciting to be able to get here again,” Highland No. 1 singles player Alex Hammel said after the Scots defeated the Indians 5-0 for their second straight sectional championship. “It was definitely our goal this year. It feels really good to be able to do it again this year.”

As the Scots posed for pictures with the program’s 11th sectional trophy all-time on their home court, the thrill probably had a even stronger feel, as they continued their undefeated trend for a school-record 22 consecutive matches.

In addition to the obvious, Highland relished the extension of two other historic feats. Wins by Hammel and the No. 1 doubles tandem of senior Kelsey McFadden and junior Ashlan Allison kept the trio’s season records unblemished.

This achievement marks the first time a No. 1 doubles team has ventured throughout the regular season unbeaten.

Meanwhile, Hammel joins Margo McCord and two-time state champion Ashlee Davis as the third No. 1 singles player to run the table in the regular season.

“That’s a great accomplishment. I didn’t really think about it that much. I just kind of take each match at a time, and we’ve been really fortunate this year to have a great team and to go undefeated,” said Hammel, who won 6-4, 6-2. “Me personally, I feel I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I’m glad I was able to achieve that.”

As a team, the Scots were forced to battle early as Anderson grabbed first-set leads with Thomas shifting the Indians’ lineup to challenge the host team.

“They’re very good, and we knew when that when (Alisha) Cummings left us it was going to be really, really difficult. And it would have been difficult, if we had her,” said Thomas, who exchanged several handshakes and hugs before leaving the courts. “I was real proud of the way our girls played. They played tough tonight.”

However, Highland regrouped quickly, sweeping the day with sophomore No. 2 singles player Mercy Scott posting a true sweep 6-0, 6-0.

“I hurt my knee, so I wanted to get in, get it done and get off of it,” Scott said with a smile. “I’ve learned a lot from Alex. She has great sportsmanship. She’s a true leader.

“(This win) shows we’re not going to down without a fight. That’s a good thing. Hopefully, we can get past regionals.”

The Scots will now travel to Delta on Tuesday for regional play where they will face Muncie Central in the first round.