Curtis Hughes, the new Westerville South girls’ tennis head coach, has introduced the Lady ‘Cats to a new style of play, where every player is on rotation based on performance in a recent match rather than traditionally focusing on one position.
Players will be routed around every match to either play singles, doubles or even both, to give them an all around experience of the sport.
“Last year I was only focused on playing doubles. With this new play style, I don’t have to worry much about practicing for that position due to me being switched every match,” senior Success Adjei said.
The girls tennis season kicked off early on Aug. 15 when they took on rival Westerville Central. The Lady Wildcats suffered a big loss, losing all five of their matchups against the Warhawks.
Despite the blowout against Westerville Central, they were victorious against crosstown rival Westerville North three weeks later on Sept.5. Adjei won two of her matches, “It was an amazing feeling beating North; it was a boost that many of us needed,” Adjei said.
The Lady Wildcats are a young team this season, with inexperienced players. However, 10 matches into the season, they have been able to secure more consecutive wins than last season.
“It’s definitely challenging to be playing experienced players, while being new to the sport… but showing up to practice/games really does get us ready against experienced players,” junior Niti Bhattarai said.
With the Lady ‘Cats only having five matches remaining in the season, they are focused on winning them all. With sectionals just around the corner, players are excited and confident about the tournament
“I’m feeling confident, although last year went horrible for us..with the wins that we have had this season I feel very confident that we will do well,” senior Emma Flynn said.
