MSMS Tennis Team Continues Streak, Ranked First in 3A Division
Boys Doubles partners captain Meilun Zhou and senior Akos Polgar.
April 4, 2016
After beating South Pontotoc in a district match on March 29, the MSMS tennis team earned the rank of first place in its 3A division. While the match set for March 31 against Amory High School was canceled due to weather threats, the Blue Waves continue to look forward to a season where they might go farther than previous years according to fans and players.
Senior Lauren Scott returning a serve.
Last year, MSMS players lost to South Pontotoc, but this season’s 4-3 win served to continue the team’s winning streak. While technically new to the Blue Waves tennis team, junior players, coming from a variety of tennis backgrounds at different schools, are helping to represent MSMS athletically and surpass last year’s tennis performance.
Senior Seth Lee representing the Blue Waves in boys singles.
Maggie Ford, a girls’ doubles participant who played tennis at her previous school, said, “I believe the season so far has been pretty successful. I really hope that myself and the other members of the team are able to play with great sportsmanship and practice with dedication.” Ford plans to continue to play tennis for the Blue Waves next year.
Junior Morgan Dollar, who plays girls doubles with senior Michelle Li, takes a swing.
Vivian Van, a junior tennis player who previously competed in tennis in Winona, said, “The matches have been mostly rained, especially the away matches, but it’s been fun playing with a new team.” She also looks forward to continuing next year with the MSMS tennis team and to “get all of my serves in and return great serves” for this year.
Junior Vivian Van, who normally plays mixed doubles with senior Patel, returns a volley.
Senior Dilraj Sidh, still pushing for increased attendance at home tennis matches, said of the South Pontotoc match, “It was probably the most exciting game of the year. It was a close match.”
The Blue Waves are currently preparing for another home match on Tuesday, April 5 against Amory. Both fans and players are hoping for another win to continue the streak until the end of the regular season April 11.
Senior Om Patel jumping to hit the ball.
Sidhu said, “I would be happy for the team if they were to make it to playoffs or state. They work so hard at practice to get the chance to go to state.”
If the MSMS tennis team advances to playoffs, they look forward to competing in late April and early May.
