NATCHEZ — Madeline Beard is hoping to keep her undefeated streak intact early next week at the MHSAA Class 1A state tennis championship matches.

That’s not just undefeated this season, though — that’s undefeated throughout her high school career.

Beard has never been beaten in a high school singles match, and the Cathedral School junior will try and maintain that record Monday and Tuesday in the girls singles semifinals and finals matches.

“You have to have a really good level of determination,” Beard said of staying unbeaten. “I have to go out and do my best, because if I do, I feel that I have a good chance to beat my opponent.”

Four other Cathedral players will join Beard in her quest for a state championship. Sarah Beth Willard and Taylor Beesley will compete in girls No. 2 doubles Monday and Tuesday, and Dwain Perkins and Luke Whitaker will go for the boys No. 2 doubles crown on the same days.

It will be Willard’s first shot at a state title, but she said she has confidence she and Beesley will do well.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m going in with someone I’m used to playing with, so I feel like we have a good shot,” Willard said.

Beesley said having her father Craig Beesley as athletic director at the school played a big part in her playing tennis.

“Sports have always been important,” Beesley said. “I always had to play, according to him, but he’s been there for me and helped me along the way.”

Willard, who towers over Beesley, said the two work well as a team despite height differences.

“When we walk on the court, people always laugh because I’m so much taller than her,” Willard said.

“People feel they can pick on Taylor because she’s shorter, but she’ll turn around and hit it right back at them.”

And Beesley said she likes making sure people respect her on the court.

“I don’t get mad about it, but I do want to hit it back to them and prove them wrong,” Beesley said.

Perkins went into the season unsure of who would be his doubles partner before Whitaker transferred to Cathedral from Wilkinson County Christian Academy. He said he was glad Whitaker made the move.

“I was worried about how things were going to go, but I just wanted to play no matter what,” Perkins said. “I feel confident (with Whitaker) that we have a really good chance (at state).”

Whitaker, who won a mixed doubles state title at WCCA, said the transition to partnering with Patrick has been smooth.

“It’s been pretty easy, but we still have a lot to learn,” Whitaker said.

While some athletes choose to play multiple sports, Beard said her focusing exclusively on tennis has allowed her to excel at the sport.

“Sometimes people play a bunch of sports and are good at them, but they could be even better if they played one,” Beard said. “You’re able to devote your energy and develop your skills.”

Beard said she ultimately chose tennis over softball and gymnastics because she felt she had more potential with tennis. With an undefeated record, it seems it was a good choice.