Even With The Loss, The Bulldogs Played With Pride

10/19/2015

The girls tennis team travelled to Monclair Kimberly Academy (MKA) on Friday afternoon. In our first match that really felt like fall, the girls tried to warm up on a cool afternoon. Regardless, the players were still full of energy and vigor, and the players battled as they usually do!

As “home” coaches determine the format, we played seven doubles matches. MKA has a large team, and they spend a lot of time practicing doubles fundamentals. This was clear on every court, and it was a good chance for our ladies to experience quality doubles play. That is important!

A big shout out to eighth graders Jackie Goldstein and Grace Maline who fought back against two powerful opponents. They were down early, but they never gave up. They won key points with effective lobbying, and they should be quite proud of their 8-5 loss.

Our next four doubles matches were great learning experiences. Arianna and Arianna landed at 8-2, Sloan and India also had an 8-2 score, Franki and Brianna finished at 8-1, and Ellie and Anna kept things consistent with a score of 8-2. Despite these matches being losses on the scoreboard, the coaches were so proud of how every player kept with it until the very last point on each court.

Eighth graders Maggie and Abby earned the team’s first decisive victory, winning 6-0 at sixth doubles. They were focused and determined on the court, and the match was over before their opponents knew what hit them. Good job, ladies!

The highlight of the match took place at seventh doubles. Eighth grader Helen played with seventh grader Elizabeth Her in her first official match of the season. They were still playing when the sun started to set. Tied up at 6-6, they began a tiebreaker with both teams cheering on their respective teammates. DE took the lead early, and in the end they clinched a victory, 7-6. We all cheered with both girls ran off the court in celebration, and it was clear the girls were proud of each other (and we were proud of them!)! It was a lovely sight to see.

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