By Meg Lazarus ’13, Contributor
The small but spirited group of varsity girls tennis players has amassed some notable early season accomplishments. The team stands at 2-1 with a 5-0 victory over Turpin and a 3-2 win against Mariemont. In addition, the team finished forth overall in the CCDS Invitational with Elizabeth Blackburn, ’11, (pictured) and Caroline Blackburn, ’13, taking second place and Alison Mesh, ’13, and Gail Yacyshyn, ’12, taking fourth place in their respective divisions. In addition to those who placed at the invitational, the varsity team consists of Hannah Stewart, ’12, Amanda Young, ’11, Meg Lazarus, ’13, and Katie Barton, ’14.
The CCDS girls tennis program has a proud history, and has sent a doubles team to state as recently as 2008. Despite an unusually low turnout for the 2010 season, Varsity Coach Lynne Schneebeck said she believes there is “a lot of talent on the team,” and that the smaller numbers “have made it easier to compete more during practices (rather than just drilling).” Coach Schneebeck also believes that “The size of the group has made the team a closer unit than in the past.”
As the season progresses, the competition will continually get fiercer. “CHCA and Seven Hills have student-athletes who are ranked in the Midwest,” said Coach Schneebeck. However, Coach Schneebeck still has high hopes for the season. “I expect commitment to the team and leadership from each of [the players] and to be competitive in our league. I anticipate continued success at tournaments such as the Coaches Classic in September and Sectionals, Districts, and I hope, State.”
With that said, the most anticipated part of the season amongst the players begins with sectionals, which occur at the tail end of the season. Sectionals are a very exciting time for players because those who participate in doubles during the regular season are given a chance to play singles, while many talented singles players pair up to take the court as doubles partners. Certainly worth watching will be the elder Blackburn’s pursuit of a return to state after qualifying with alumnus Olivia Tholke, ’09, during her sophomore year, as well as potential post-season success from the other key varsity contributors.
Photo courtesy of Ilana Habib, 11, Photography Editor
