Tennis webkey
Know how coaches, during the most grueling practices, will sometimes remind their teams to think big-picture, with the ultimate goal as motivation?
Yeah. Umm. Not so much for the Spackenkill High School girls tennis team.
While the players ran laps and endured pre-season drills, coach Jackie Klein warned that this could be a rebuilding season. The Spartans had a slew of players new to singles competition, “so we couldn’t count on seeing the same results.”
Yeah. Umm. Except they did. Sarah McCall defeated Emma DiLascio, 6-0, 6-0, at first singles as Spackenkill topped Highland, 5-0, on Friday to secure its 13th league title in 15 seasons.
“The singles players hit deep corner shots and volleys to win their games,” Klein said. “Both doubles teams excelled at volleys and lobs.”
Cynthia Ma, who was runner-up in the Mid-Hudson Athletic League singles tournament, beat Mary Kossel, 6-0, 6-0, in second singles on Friday. Rachel Li won at third singles. Kourtney Kowalski and Madison Myers won at first doubles, and Katie Lhungay and Leona Lau earned a victory in second doubles to complete the sweep for the Spartans (10-0).
“They were able to achieve what we did last year, despite being a new team,” Klein said. “The girls were thrilled. (This accomplishment) says they’ve worked hard and they’re dedicated to the sport. We’re very proud.”
Spackenkill will send seven of its players to the Section 9 championship tournament at Match Point Tennis in Goshen at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4