RIDGELAND — Everything was great about this tennis season for Henry Slayton, except the last set and a half.

The Porter’s Chapel Academy senior reached the championship match of the MAIS Class 3A No. 1 boys singles tournament on Wednesday and took the first set from St. Augutine’s Andrew Clark. Clark then won the next two to beat Slayton and claim the state title 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Slayton had been undefeated this season, including two victories against Clark. He beat Ian Yates of the Regents School 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) in the semifinals on Wednesday, then took the first set from Clark and jumped to a 3-1 lead in the second. Unfortunately, Clark got hot at that point and never cooled off.

The St. Augustine sophomore won eight games in a row to take the second set and a 3-0 lead in the third. Clark broke Slayton’s serve seven times in the match.

“The wind was tough and it was just back and forth the whole time. I kept missing dumb stuff,” Slayton said.

Slayton briefly got back on track by winning two of three games in the middle of the third set to pull to within 4-2. Just as quickly, Clark did the same by breaking Slayton’s serve to go up 5-2. Slayton won one more game before Clark finished him off.

Slayton said the familiarity of playing Clark a third time gave him some trouble.

“It’s tough playing three times. That’s what I hate about how this (tournament) works,” Slayton said.

It was the last match of an outstanding high school career for Slayton. He reached the MAIS Class 3A state tournament three times — twice in No. 1 singles and once in No. 1 boys’ doubles — and beat everyone he played this season at least once. He also signed to play at Hinds Community College next season.

“Not at all,” Slayton said when asked if he had any regrets. “I’m going to Hinds next year.”