While Tribe Tennis fell, 10-0, to Canyon in the region semifinal on Oct. 16, the result was not indicative of the season, which went four rounds deep in the team tennis playoffs.
“Each day the players practiced hard and played hard,” Coach John Armstrong said. “I think it’s all about preparation.”
Junior Aldo Caballero said he has worked hard in order to advance.
“Every day, during pracitce, I would give it my all,” Caballero said. “I strived for perfection, and the fact that I won motivated me even more.
Senior Tristan Hare he tennis into spare moments.
“I work hard during practice,” Hare said. “After practice, when I have time, I would hit by myself.”
The players’ improved performances were the effect of communication when it came to doubles partners senior Karolynn Caballero and junior Victoria Baros.
“We communicate very well on the field,” K. Caballero said. “She puts the ball away.”
K. Caballero got the final singles win to seal the area win over Andrews, a team which had beaten Seminole earlier in the season.
“I felt really proud of myself,” K. Caballero said. “It was one of my biggest accomplishments.”
Despite the hard work the tennis team has put in, the team came up against Canyon once again in the post season.
“It is very difficult to play against Canyon,” junior Addison Armstrong said.“They have a very good program and access to facilities or personal trainers we don’t have.”
A. Caballero said his performance was not as good as it usually was when playing Canyon.
“They are better, so they get to my head,” A. Caballero said, “and therefore, negatively affect my performance.”
Coach Armstrong said it motivated his players to come back from early season losses against Andrews and Memorial in the area and region quarterfinal rounds..
“The first match we played them, the scores were so close,” Coach Armstrong said. “It lets you know that we could’ve done it.”
The players’ prowess on the court was reflected in the eight players who were selected to the all-district tennis team.
