Delphi recap

Hello Tiger tennis family,

 

We were back together as a whole team last night, and it was a great night. As I have said all year long, I am always proud of this group of girls, because of who they are, the effort they show, and the attitude they bring to the court. But, last night was a night for them. Getting the win was exciting for them. Delphi is a team, honestly, that is a little more our level. Nice players, good athletes, and we had quite the battle. Ranging from top of the line up to the bottom, we had good matches, including 2 three setters.

 

Emily Harshman played a nice match at 1 singles last night. Her opponent had different pace and hit some strange shank winners. Em stayed focused on her game plan and didn’t let the strangeness of the other girl’s game get to her. She took care of business 6-2, 6-0. Nice win Emily!

 

Alexis Hungate had a battle last night against a solid number 2. Ali is getting more depth on her shots, she’s looking better at the net, and she is really getting a better strategy in her head. I was impressed with her ability to come back after a second set loss and rally for the win: 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

 

Kady Whitehead gave us our money’s worth last night, as she earned her first high school Varsity win 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. It’s tough when you lose that first set, because you know you have to basically play a whole match, in order to win. Kady has gotten her game back in these last few weeks and is hitting with great top spin and is being very consistent. That is what it takes to win at the 3 singles spot.

 

Madi and Sydney Wells played up and down last night, but good enough to take the win. When they took the middle of the court up at the net and communicated and backed eachother up at the net, they looked awesome. We are still working on keeping it simple at the net and not doing too much with the volleys, spraying them out. We have a lot of matches ahead of us to work those kinks out before sectional, so I am excited for the potential I am seeing out of these sisters.

 

Erica Plutat and Gabriella Matly lost a 4-6, 5-7 match yesterday. I felt bad for them, because it was one of those matches where a few shots differently, could have given our team the win. We are struggling a little with positioning and executing our shots. I think we know what we want to do, but are just having a little trouble doing it. I am pleased though with the positive attitudes and the effort coming from the two of them, but still plan on trying a few different things with doubles this season.

 

Megan Floyd had a great match at 1 singles JV. 8-0 was the score, and you could tell she was focused in, like she meant business and needed to take care of it quick J I think one of her biggest assets is her mental toughness, and if she stays intense, she is going to just continue to get better and better. I saw better follow throughs and less unforced errors.

 

Dulce Amayun went out and played 2 singles JV last night and won 8-2. Dulce has been impressing me this year by working on control and consistency. I appreciate that she has been versatile in working back and forth between singles and doubles and has done both nicely.

 

Marlee Thomas played a good match last night, but unfortunately had her first loss of the season. I couldn’t have been more proud though of how she kept fighting. Her fundamentals are getting better and her backhand is improving, as she is hitting it out to the side, as opposed to in front of her. Her movement on the court is a strength, and she is getting better at staying out of no man’s land. Score was 6-8

 

Jenna Miller and Rachel Baker worked together for the first time last night and they did a good job. We are working on being in the right positioning based on who is serving/returning etc. and getting our feet to the net or back behind the baseline. Communicating loudly is a big factor in doubles, and I want to see this. Score was 8-5

 

Lydia Wallace and Kaley Hopper played number 2 doubles last night, and being completely honest, I didn’t see much of their match. Just sharing a little- One of the toughest parts of coaching tennis, in a match like last night, is having 8 courts of girls and being pulled in many directions. Part of the neat/hard parts of playing tennis is the girls are expected to take what their coaches teach them in practice and on some changeovers and remember it during the rest of the match. What we saw out of these girls last night was just that. They took care of business 8-2.

 

Anna Ortmann and Addison Morgan played very well last night. Addison was on fire at the net and Anna’s serves are looking much improved. Their groundstrokes are coming along and I see two players who have such potential for the game. I just love their competitive spirits that are tempered with being so sweet. I am thoroughly enjoying watching them improve.

 

As always, thanks to Ethan for his many trips to the bus and keeping track of the score. Christy for getting the girls warmed up and the score sheets ready for the other team. And, coach Matt for helping to coach at the match and putting up with teenage girls…haha

 

Snacks were once again awesome (according to the girls and coaches) so thanks to the parents who have taken care of that. Lockers decorations have been very nice, and I know the girls appreciate the support. Yard signs in the yards at home and at our tennis courts are great, and add a little something extra! It’s nice to see everyone working together to make a great atmosphere for the girls. It really lets us coaches focus on what our part needs to be.

 

We will see what happens with our conference match against Peru tonight!

 

Coach Kristine Miller