Benford is runner-up in tourney

Twelve-year-old Kinsley Benford finished runner-up in the 12U division of the Shoals Junior Circuit tournament in her first tennis tournament.

Kinsley, who will enter eighth grade this fall, has been playing tennis for about three years. She said she was excited to compete but wasn’t sure what to expect in her first tournament.

“I didn’t really know how I was going to do since it was my first tournament,” she said.

The Shoals Junior Circuit tournament included 12U, 15U and 18U divisions. Kinsley said there were about six competitors in her division.

She takes weekly tennis lessons in Russellville and prefers singles competition.

“It’s like I’m not depending on another person to win, it’s all me,” she said.

Kinsley previously played softball before shifting her focus to tennis. She also participates in middle school volleyball and cheerleading.

Her mother, Tessa Benford, said she was especially proud of her daughter’s runner-up finish because it came in Kinsley’s first tournament.

“I was very proud of her, considering it was her first tournament and not really knowing what to expect,” she said.

Tessa said tennis is new to their family, and she has enjoyed learning about the sport while watching her daughter compete.