MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — McMinn County’s Michael Hewgley couldn’t get the individual win he wanted Tuesday, but he helped the Cherokees to an even bigger victory.

His 6-2, 6-0 doubles win with Neal Baldwin helped McMinn County beat White Station 4-2 in the Athens school’s first-ever state-tournament appearance. The Cherokees will play for the Class AAA championship today at noon.

“I was confident that we could get to substate and do well, but getting to this point is a big accomplishment,” Hewgley said. “It’s amazing, really. It’s history for our school, and we’re very excited.”

Hewgley fell 6-4, 6-1 at No. 1 singles in the match at Old Fort Park, but teammates Trey Royal and Baldwin earned wins to tie the match at 2 with George Pannell at No. 3.

Pannell defeated White Station’s Barry Underberg by tiebreaker in the first set, 7-6 (4), and outlasted him 7-5 in the second set. His win meant the Cherokees needed only one doubles win to secure their spot in the final.

“When he came off the court, all I could say was, ‘Huge,’” McMinn County coach Susan Ray said. “That was such a pivotal point in the match. He amazes me with the things he’s able to do.”