Williamston Tennis

The Williamston high school girls’ tennis team began their defense of the Division 4 championship with a solid 6-2 victory over the DeWitt Panthers on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at DeWitt. “It was a good start,” said sophomore Leah Vargovich, who along with her doubles partner, Cara Steinberg, won their number four doubles match 6-3, 6-2.
“I think we were all eager to get the season underway,” said Aubree Barton, “We were getting tired of practicing and playing points against each other. She and Erin Graham are playing number three doubles this season after reaching the finals at the state championships last year at number four doubles. They won their match 6-3, 6-3.
Anya Nikolai and Mattie Nelson won their number one doubles match 6-3, 6-0. “One of the DeWitt girls had a really big serve and that took a little getting used to, but once we found our rhythm I knew we were going to be okay,” said Anya.
Tiffany Ash, returning for her third straight season as the number one singles player cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 win. “It was really windy out there today, but I just played my game and came away with a victory.”
Freshman Claire Cooper made an impressive debut at number two singles by defeating her opponent 6-1, 6-2. “It was fun playing tennis as a member of team,” she said. “I play USTA matches and there isn’t any coaching in those so it is different. I think it will be a great season.”
“I was very pleased with everyone’s effort today,” said varsity coach Steve Stanley. “I was especially impressed with Gabby’s (Meijer) comeback win at number three singles.” Gabby lost the first set 6-1, then came back to win the next two sets 6-1, 6-4. “It was windy and I struggled with my serve but I figured out what I was doing and fixed it, she said. “Then I realized I wasn’t volleying to a corner when I was at the net. Instead I just hit it right back to my opponent and she either passed me or lobbed over my head. Once I fixed those two things I was able to turn the match around,” she concluded.
Erin Donovan and Audrey Porter lost their number two doubles match in three sets. “The girls we played against were very consistent and we just struggled with our serves,” said Erin. Erica Krantz lost her number four singles match 6-3, 6-4.
The Lady Hornets are home for a scrimmage against Grand Ledge on Thursday and play Charlotte also at home on Monday, March 30th.