The tennis team is competing in an Andrews tournament today and tomorrow along with Big Spring, Snyder, Andrews, Wink, Monahans, Greenwood, Pampa and Shallowater.
“Big Spring, Snyder and Andrews are going to be tough,” Coach Rhonda Burns said. “Some of their boys are strong, and we’re going to have to fight.”
Sophomore Easton Swinnea has seen these teams before.
“Andrews and Monahans will the toughest teams,” Swinnea said. “Since we have played them before I know that their consistency and power is high. I’m prepared and willing to fight for my place.”
Because of seeding, sophomore Aubrey Owen sees the same opponent from Monahans multiple times.
“I always end up playing the same girl,” Owen said. “I never lose by much. Her skill grows as mine does. Wanting to beat her encourages me to try harder.”
Burns said the matches and tournaments are preparing them for district.
“We just need to stay positive,” Burns said. “We’ll do better than we think, and that’s what we need. We need to perform the best now so we’ll perform our best at district.”
Knowing an opponent’s skill level is an advantage and a disadvantage according to sophomore Elizeth Villa.
“Sometimes it’s better to know something about your opponents so you know what to work on,” Villa said, “but if you don’t know anything about them, you’re mentally more tough. If I don’t know how the other team plays, then I’m more alert on doing what helps me.”
Freshman Michelle Guevara noticed an improvement in her backhands and volleys in the Midland Classical game.
“I’m trying my best to do it right,” Guevara said. “I noticed I was doing way better in the matches I played. I was surprised by the improvement.”
In the meet against Midland Classical, the team swept 10-0 on Jan. 31.
“It’s pretty amazing that each of us won,” Owen said. “It’s the first time since I’ve been in high school that we’ve all won. It’s awesome.”
Jan. 31 Midland Classical tennis Results
Men’s Singles–Easton Swinnea–7-6, 7-5, 4-6, 10-6, Jonathon Klassen–6-0, 7-6
Men’s Doubles–Swinnea/Klassen–8-5
Women’s Singles–Aubrey Owen–6-1, 6-1, Elizeth Villa–6-2, 6-3, Judy Klassen–6-0, 6-0, Michelle Guevara–6-0, 6-1, Isela Zamora–4-6, 7-6, 7-5
Women’s Doubles–Owen/Villa–8-2, Klassen/Guevara–8-2