Tennis kicks off spring season

Junior+Tyler+Knopp++plays+in+a+match+this+fall.+The+tennis+team+kicked+off+their+spring+season+January+31st+at+Oak+Ridge.+

photo or infographic by Heather Jackson

Junior Tyler Knopp plays in a match this fall. The tennis team kicked off their spring season January 31st at Oak Ridge.

by Piper Neumann, VOW sports editor

As spring tennis kicks off, the Wildkats are back rallying for the wins. Varsity had their first tournament last Friday held at Oak Ridge High School.

The team enjoyed the chance to be competitive with new people.

“I love playing tennis and going to the tournaments because it gives me a chance to compete with players I wouldn’t normally compete with,” junior Tyler Knopp said. 

Tournaments are the place where the seniors are able to show their leadership and encourage their teammates.

“I have to make sure to keep a positive attitude and watch what I do so I do not bring others down,” senior captain Ethan Benson said.

For some, this is their first tournament they’ve competed in.

“We won two games and lost two games,” freshman Rohan Patel said. “But I loved having the experience because this was my first tournament as a freshman on varsity.”

The tournaments are something for the team to work hard for.

“I liked having a challenge and it was also something new because I had to play up for this,” sophomore Elisa Gomez said.

Being paired with older players helps the newer people adjust.

“I like my doubles partner. It’s nice that he has already been through this so he knows what to expect in the tournaments,” Patel said.

These matches and tournaments are a way to build trust amongst the partners.

“My favorite part was competing in the matches with a partner I knew would do good,” sophomore Ryan Glasgow said.