Tiger Cubs' team of sisters is a 'close-net' group

Greencastle senior Kayla Chadd drives a backhand during the Tiger Cubs' scrimmage with North Montgomery on Friday. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

The Greencastle girls' squad is poised for a successful year and part of that is a credit to being more than a just a team.

There are three sets of natural kin -- the Mason sisters (Kaitlynne and Annalysse), the Romer sisters (Haylie and Corrie) and the Chadd sisters (Kayla and Rachel) -- but coach Sally Martin the whole team feels like a family.

"We're three sets of sisters but we're one family," Martin said. "They wanted me to tell you that they're a 'close-net' group, family, and they wanted me to say it just like that."

Martin said that idea came from senior Bailey Brewer, but she got feedback from everyone when setting the goals for the team.

Each player has a chance to help choose where they'll go; kind of like a family.

Even without discussing it themselves, each player seemed to share a common thought-process.

"Their long-range goal was -- pretty much across the board, and they didn't talk to each other when they were giving me feedback -- is to go strong through sectionals. They got real close (last year), and they want to come here for regionals."

Greencastle hosted the regional last year and they're scheduled to do it again this year. Getting the team there instead of just individuals would be a success for Martin.

She thinks they have the ability to do it.

"It's not an unrealistic goal," Martin said. "I think we have a lot of talent. I've told them a number of times that I'm very encouraged. We're doing drills now at the beginning of the season that we were doing only at the end of the season last year."

The Tiger Cubs have eight seniors, including last season's singles players Harriet Watson, Haylie Romer and Kayla Chadd.

"Those three are the most seasoned, because they have competed and they've competed in singles," Martin said. "Most all of the seniors have had four years of dedication, which is starting to show. They've made big strides."

Led by the diligent upperclassmen, and pushed by the talented freshman, the Tiger Cubs are ready to strike.

"Some of the freshmen are really making the sophomores and juniors push, and even the seniors. It's making a big difference just to have that kind of talent across the board," Martin said. "There is so much that I can say about all of these girls, and I've not always had that kind of a year.

"I could pick each one and point out things that they're so much better at than they have been. ... I kind of like their 'close-net family' thing."