The girl’s tennis season ended in October with a spectacular performance at state. The season consisted of wins and losses that ultimately brought the team together making each individual a stronger player.

Prairie Ridge sent their No.1 singles player, Annie Timm, No.1 doubles team, Katie Cox and Jenna Van Bosch, and No.2 doubles team, Morgan Priesz and Morgan Riddell to state. At state both doubles teams made it to the second round of the championships and won two matches in the consolation bracket.

Before the state tournament, the varsity team performed exceptionally well, winning 11 out of 13 meets against some very challenging schools.

The season also consisted of many early mornings to travel to different tournaments. The first varsity tournament was at Edwardsville where Prairie Ridge placed 4th place after playing against 4 schools with close matches against New Trier High School.

On September 12, Prairie Ridge came in 2nd place after 2 wins and 1 loss at JV tournament at Hersey High School.

At the Rolling Meadows Invite on September 20th, the girls came in 1st place with wins against Rolling Meadows, Vernon Hills, and Fremd.

On September 27,  the wolves dominated and won 1st place at the Crystal Lake Central Invite.

The last tournament, and by far the coldest was with the JV team at Stevenson and the varsity team at Libertyville High School. “Playing at the Stevenson tournament was definitely a challenge, but I was glad for the experience because it helped me to improve as a player,” sophomore Anna Pontius said about her first JV tournament.

Senior Sonia Patel joined tennis her sophomore year. “Even though I wasn’t the best on the team, I am so glad that I kept with the team. It wasn’t really about the sport, but more about having a fun time and supporting a team as well as have that team support you.”

After finishing her second season on the team sophomore Megan Anderson said “I’ve improved so much thanks to the coaches and my team, and have tons of fun doing it!”. Improvement was an important theme this season. “As long as I improve in some way each time I play I’m happy whether I win or lose,” said Hannah Switzer.

The Freshmen/Sophomore team played very difficult matches, the team especially remembering playing against Barrington High School. “They were really tough opponents and it was hard to stay confident after that match but I know to get better I have to keep challenging myself with players from higher levels,” said Gabby Altman, who just started playing in the summer.

Many of the sophomores on the team are enthusiastic to be going to the varsity team next year including Emily Pollock who said “I look forward to having a great time and challenging myself to become a better player.”

Mr. Benson is interested to see how the girls do next season and says “Next year will be great because we are only losing two players so the lineup will remain basically the same. If they put in good work in the offseason next year will be great as well.”

Joining the tennis team is a good way to start playing the sport: people at all levels find a spot on the team.

Every year the team gets new players from all grade levels! Annie Qiu (junior) started tennis as a sophomore. “I was nervous because I didn’t have too much experience playing tennis, but it was one of the best decisions I made and I love playing on the team!”

Connie Jewell (freshman) just finished her first season on the team. “Tennis was so much fun this year. Even if you aren’t good at tennis or you’ve never touched a tennis racket before it’s still a great experience!”