Last year the Girls Tennis Team had a rough year, missing the playoffs for the first time in six years. They were optimistic about the upcoming year, but the first two games have not gone well.
Sophomore Gracie Nelson tried to make sense of the rough start, “we are a young team, and it will take time for us to get where we want to be.”
The Rebels lost to the Braintree Wamps in the first game of the season 3-2 on April 5. Last year, the Wamps made a late season surge and it seems as if their hot streak has carried over to this season. Senior Captains Emily Davis and Tessa Bloechl played solid fundamental tennis, but unfortunately they were both outlasted, losing their two single matches. The Rebels lost the first round and were down 1-0. In a matter of minutes, the Rebels were down 2-0. They made an impressive comeback, winning the next two matches to tie the score at 2-2.
“In the deciding match Emily Davis played an epic three hour, three set match against Braintree at first singles, fighting through leg cramps in the second and third sets” said coach Bill Powers.
Even though it was a tough loss, some good came from the match. One of the goals for the Rebels this year is to improve their underclassmen and turn them into talented tennis players. Senior Jenny Landon had a very good match in a losing effort. “It felt good to get out there and I really feel like I am improving,” said Landon. Also, sophomore Nichole Mallory and senior Meghan Lescault had a great debut at second doubles. The Rebels next game was against Ursuline Academy where they hoped for their first win.
After a tough opening day loss, the Rebels looked to bounce back against Ursuline Academy. Unfortunately, the match did not go as planned and they lost 5-0. Even though the Rebels lost, Coach Powers remains confident, ” even though Ursuline dominated us, I expect that we’ll see them again at the end of the season.” Even though the season has not gone as planned, the team is succeeding in one of their goals: having fun. At both the practices and the games there is always a smile on every girls’ face. Junior Becky Chariton said, “I look forward to practice everyday because I know it will be really fun.” Another factor for the rough start is due to a “latter” not being established. A latter is the ranking of girls in order from best to worst. Even though the senior Captains have the one and two spots, the remaining spots are still waiting to be filled. There is some promising young talent including Ali Ajemian, Becky Chariton, Gracie Nelson and Daria Grady.
Next on the Rebels schedule is a rematch against the Braintree Wamps. This will be a sweet victory if the Rebels are able to avenge their opening day loss. The Rebels so far have met two of their three goals. They are having fun and developing their young talent. Junior Daria Grady and sophomore Gracie Nelson have been impressive in their JV games, going undefeated so far. The only goal left is to start winning matches and make the tournament. The pieces are there but the Rebels just have to wait for them to fall into place. It will be a long and grueling match but if the Rebels play to their potential and continue to have fun, they should record their first victory of the year.
