Despite challenges caused by an early heatwave, the girls tennis team is pushing to find success late in the season.
The team, with thirty girls total, had to cancel a week’s worth of practice early on because of excessive heat. Head coach Chris Marshall and assistant coach Brian Hunter were forced to alter practice dynamics to make up for lost time.
“Early in the season is when we go over fundamentals and get them ready to play matches,” Hunter said. “Usually at this point we’re talking tactics and strategy, so it’s weird to have to be talking about the basics this far into the season.”
He says part of this has to do with the player’s previous experience on the court.
“With tennis it’s unique, the first time a lot of girls pick up a racket is when they play for us at the high school level,” he said.
For some players, the setback means learning by experience during competition.
“It cost us a few games and points,” Hunter said.
The team is focused on getting better each day. Junior Morgan Moeckly is in her third year of playing for LHS. “In the past it has been hard for me to stay consistent throughout a match. But I think I’ve definitely gotten better at it this year.”
In order to have a chance at state, the team is looking to gain a better seat. This means improving their record and performing at their highest potential.
“Our motto this year has been doing stuff the right way, stacking the small victories,” Hunter says. “I’d love to finish top four at League . . . with the girls we have this year, that’s a definite possibility.”
Moeckly is also optimistic about the season.
“Our doubles teams are really strong,” Moeckly said. “We have a group of four people who have been doing really well.”
When asked about his outlook, Marshall also pointed to the doubles teams.
“Regional assignments came out the other day, If we are playing well we could get one or two teams to state.”
With this goal in mind, Marshall is already content with how the season has gone.
“I’m proud of where they are at, but I’m really optimistic to see if we can continue to strive and play at that upper level of performance.”
