By Vivian Dyer.
Tennis completed their summer preseason on August 24, with a 18-1 record as of Saturday ranking 24th in the state guaranteeing them in their season playoffs.
“We’ve beaten some people who are ranked ahead of us in the state ranking, so we should be moving up in the ranking,” senior Asher Shelburne said. “It’s been a really positive season so far.”
Although the season has begun with such a successful opener, there are still challenges that are faced during the matches.
“Just getting back into the swing of things has been really difficult for everybody, and having to play back to back all the time,” senior Allie Dunn said.
With district play well underway, the players are already forming their own goals for next year.
“My biggest goal is to be district champs and beat Wile High School,” Shelburne said about the upcoming Wiley match September 24. “We haven’t beat them in a while, and it would feel great to beat them. They’re always super cocky, and I want to show them up.”
As the athletes compete in their matches, there are always crowds of people cheering from the sidelines for them.
“One thing that can really get in the heads of your opponents is when the whole team’s really cheering for our teammates, so as long as we’re cheering and putting a lot of positive reinforcement with our teammates, I think that will help get in the opposing team’s head,” Shelburne said.
The varsity team has introduced multiple new players onto the team, increasing the size of the team.
“We have four freshmen on the team who are inexperienced, but really improving,” Coach Stacy Bryan said. “We just have to keep practicing the fundamentals and serves and returns to keep playing at a high level.”
With the District season closing on October 7, there is much excitement for all of the team bonding opportunities according to Shelburne.
“My favorite part of tournaments might be just in the hotel rooms with the guys talking about how things are going,” Shelburne said. “The bus rides are also super fun with the team and getting to be in the competitive atmosphere. When we’re out playing matches, and you hit a great shot hearing your whole team go crazy yelling behind you just feels great.
