By Doug Boyle
Staff Writer
Girls’ tennis is not the most well known or viewed sport in school, but these girls have proven to be some of the most elite athletes at Westford Academy. The team won back to back state championships in 2010 and 2011, and they hope to continue their legacy of greatness this year.
The team struggled last year in the 2012 season, not making the tournament, but they have shown promise to reverting their old winning ways this year. They have already begun the season with six wins and only two losses. The team’s first loss came on April 17th when the Ghosts lost a tough battle in five sets to Weston High School. They also lost to Acton-Boxobourgh.
This season on first doubles is sophomore Janice Huang and her senior co-captain Stephanie Post. Senior co-captain Jennifer Grischuk and junior Natalie Bishop teamed up in second doubles. For singles, the Ghosts are led by senior Lisa Li who has been performing fantastically during her career at Westford Academy, especially this season. In addition, junior Katie Hughes and sophomore Katie Satko have played well for the varsity squad.
Satko, in addition to playing second singles, also has played third doubles. Satko talks about staying focused in a sport where being mentally prepared is so important. She says it’s one of the team’s goals to stay focused and concentrated on every single match.
“I try to only focus on the game, and I block out the rest of the world during the points,” said Satko.
With a such an individualistic sport like tennis, it’s important for the girls to stayed focused on their team goals as well as their individual goals. The team has great camaraderie and it shows when they support each other during every single match.
“Overcoming the competition between teammates is especially hard at the beginning of the year when we establish a team ranking. During this time it is important to set a positive attitude and to remember that we are working together as a team,” said Grischuk, “Our main method during the season is cheering.”
The girls are known for their loud cheering, whether it be on the court or on the sidelines rooting for a classmate. The team needs to be supportive and respect each other in order to perform the best they can.
Huang says, “Our team revolves around our commitment to each other. During the matches the players who are waiting for the match cheer on everyone, regardless if they’re on varsity or junior varsity.”
It also helps to have great seniors that set an example to the younger members of the team. In addition to the captains Grischuk and Post, other seniors including Li help their younger teammates to perform the best they can and give their best effort.
“The most important advice: play like you want to win,” said Li, “When you’re down, don’t give up, and when you’re ahead, don’t let up.”
The team’s head coach is Tracy Capone. There next game is Monday April 29th at 4:00 p.m. against Andover High School, a home game for the Ghosts.