Girls’ Tennis Plays Well Despite 0-9 Loss
The girls’ varsity A tennis team suffered a tough loss against the undefeated Andover on Saturday, with a score of 0-9. Big Red has not been able to claim a victory over them for the past few years, due to Andover’s rigorous tennis program.
After successfully winning their matches against Middlesex School on Apr. 5, the girls gained confidence heading into the start of their regular season. The team expected Andover to be the strongest team it would play all season and prepared thoroughly leading up to the game.
Lower Elizabeth Yang, who played number five, noted the strength of the players on the rival team. “Saturday’s matches were tough, especially since Andover’s top players are very experienced and have high quality strokes,” she said.
Even though the team did not win, upper Gabby Gabel, who played as Exeter’s number one, was proud of the girls on the team and how they all handled themselves. One of the strengths she already sees in the team this season is the mental game of each of the players. “We never give up and I feel that we have great strategy when it comes to playing matches,” she said. “We stayed true to our core strengths and battled it out until the end. We are each able to stay calm in tough points and be resilient.”
Gabel added that there was great dynamic within the doubles teams. “I think our coach did a great job at pairing us up with partners who we play the best with. We are a group of tough girls who want to win,” she said.
Looking back at the matches, the girls now have a better idea on which areas to improve on. Gabel hoped the team will to continue to improve its match play and the way it construct its points. “Consistency is always our biggest priority and we also hope to focus a lot more on our volleys, as they are a big part of our game in doubles play,” she said.
Yang agreed, noting the need for improvement on shot consistency. “The team discussed afterwards how most of us have set ourselves up well within points, but we just are missing consistent execution,” she said.
Afterwards, the team recognized how well each of the players carried themselves on the court. Exeter players displayed good sportsmanship. “We all keep our composure and stay respectful despite how opposing teams may act,” Yang said.
The girls look ahead to their last match of the season against Andover, hoping to pull out with more wins. With more practice and games, the girls will be prepared to face against Andover and get their revenge. “Andover better watch out for E/A... We’ll be out for some smurf blood!” Gabel said.
Exeter hopes to pick up two wins this week and gets its season back on track. The girls play Milton and Choate this Saturday.