Net gains
|
|
| Varsity team members for the 2012 Princeton tennis team include (front row) Jen O'Neil and Makenzey Wilson; (and back row) Kate Morrow, Taylor Behrends, Mackenzie Schafer, Stephanie Blessman, Emma Reidner and Courtney Webb. (Photo contributed) |
| Buy Bureau County Republican Photos » |
There’s a buzz at the tennis courts at Princeton High School this fall and for good reason. the Princeton Tigresses are undefeated in dual play, a streak running at 11 straight heading into Monday’s meet vs. Streator.
Coach Connie Lind knew right from the start she had a good thing going.
“The first week we played UT-East Moline, L-P and Ottawa and won, and I knew we had a special group of girls,” she said. “This group of girls are very focused and know what they want out of our season. At the beginning of every season, my goal is to be competitive and finish over 500; never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine we would have the opportunity to finish the season undefeated.”
The best thing about the team, Lind said, is the same girls don’t always win, but “like any good team, the others find a way in the end to come away with the team win.”
Lind said she’s never had a tennis team go undefeated in dual play at PHS. They have Kewanee (Tuesday for Senior Night) and St. Bede (Thursday) yet to play.
In addition to their dual play perfection, the Tigresses have placed second in tournament play at Newman and LaSalle-Peru and fourth at Rock Island.
Here’s the secret to the Tigresses’ success in their own words.
Jen O’Neil (No. 1 singles): “I am impressed by our record so far this season. Everyone on the team puts in a lot of effort. This season has been great so far. I can’t wait for sectionals! The 2012-2013 tennis team could not ask for a better record so far this season.”
Makenzey Wilson (No. 2 singles): “This season has been so much fun and being undefeated has made it even sweeter. The team has worked really hard. I’m excited for postseason to see how we do!”
Kenzie Schafer (No. 1 doubles): “The main reason we are undefeated as a team is because of our attitudes. We all get along, and we encouraged each other through the whole season. Now let’s take care of business at sectionals.”
Stephanie Blessman (No. 1 doubles): “I am very impressed by our team this year. We have strong players all the way through our lineup. We encourage one another and keep each other working to our best potential. Sectionals ... here we come.”
Kate Morrow (No. 2 doubles): “The team this season has been great. We’ve have a lot of fun, and it is always the teamwork among the girls that drives us to the win. We’ll keep playing our game all the way through sectionals.”
Taylor Behrends (No. 2 doubles): “Teamwork! That is all there is to it. We are all very supportive of each other on and off the court. It is truly an honor to be a part of the 2012 Princeton tennis team!”
Emma Reidner(No. 3 doubles): “It’s been such a privilege for me to play with these girls and have such a great season. Everyone is so supportive and works their hardest to win, and we all have a great time. We’ve had an amazing run, and I can’t wait to see how far everyone goes in the post season!”
Courtney Webb(No. 3 doubles): “It’s been such an amazing year! All the girls on this team are remarkable. I’ve had so much fun playing by each of them in the matches this year. The undefeated 10-0 winning streak was just a bonus to make this tennis year even better! Can’t wait ‘til next year!”
Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.
