Southwood Tennis Falls To Rochester
The Southwood Girls Varsity Tennis team lost to Rochester 0-5 Monday evening.
Allison Steele, #1 Singles, playing against Alivia Riegle had a great first match outscoring her opponent 6/3. It was really nice to watch Steele settle into a rhythm and play one of her best sets of the year. The second set was tied at 6/6, and Riegle fought back to win the tie breaker at 7/4. Riegle’s taking the second set re-energized her and she took the third set 6/1.
Baylee Swain, #2 Singles was outplayed by Whitley Barkman. Swain, who has been battling a shoulder injury for the majority of the season, is trying to hold on and finish out her senior year. Her fighting spirit and go get them attitude is a great example for the younger players to see. Up and coming #3 Singles, Madison Snyder lost to Hannah Houston. Snyder had some really good serves and returns in both sets. She continues to improve with every match.
Number 1 Doubles players, Courtney Andrick and Makenna Norman had a great start winning the first set 6/3. The dynamic duo seemed to falter and lose confidence in their selves after losing the second set 4/6 and ending the third set at 2/6. The girls have the ability to win but struggle to keep up the level of play necessary when it goes to three sets.
Ariel Benner and Shyla Judy, the # 2 Doubles, also had a great opening set winning 6/3. Serves, returns, and volleys were all a coach could ask for in the first set. However, the girls lost steam in the second set losing 2/6. Benner and Judy played well late in the third set but could not make up the lead Banic and Foster gained in the first few serves, losing the set 2/6.
Meanwhile the JV team of Anne Ridgeway and Faith Napier both played well against their opponents. Anne won both of her matches 8/4 against Britney Ramos and 6/4 against Carly Hott. She is frequently referred to as the “Little Engine that Does” as Anne goes onto the court with a winning mindset and delivers. She is a joy to watch as she patiently plays her game and places that tennis ball where she wants it to go. She is a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses. Faith Napier played some of her best tennis of the season leading for much of the match until falling 6/8 to Megan Thomas. Faith, a junior, is steadily improving and adds greatly to the team.
The Lady Knights host the Maconaquah Lady Braves on Tuesday, May 7th at 5:00pm.
