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Greencastle takes on Northview at DePauw
Wednesday marked opening day of sectional play for Greencastle's girls' tennis squad in the IHSAA Girls' Tennis tournament.
Inclement weather meant that instead of traveling to Northview, the Tiger Cubs trekked to DePauw's Indoor Tennis and Track Center, where the squad fell to the Knights 5-0.
Greencastle head coach Kevin Rowe said that the team was game with a strong Northview squad.
"I think we had some great matches," Rowe said. "The girls played really well. We weren't overmatched except for in one singles match.
"We were a little unfortunate with the way the balls bounced. Northview played great tonight and credit goes out to them. It's a tough loss but we had a good season for only having one returning varsity player from last year," Rowe added. "We're disappointed with the way the season ended but we're excited for next year."
Melody White and Lily Spencer lost the closest match of the night, a 6-3, 6-4 contest at No. 1 doubles against Jessica Baker and Hannah Minor. Rachel Chadd and Lydia Trout lost the No. 2 doubles match 6-1, 6-4 against Shelby Timberman and Emily Pollard.
Abigail Harms fell in the No. 1 singles match 6-0 6-1 to Kaysia Rebeger, Rosemary Hurst lost 6-3, 6-1 to Ramey Miller at No. 2 singles while Bailey Zapp dropped a 6-1, 6-3 decision in No. 3 singles to Ashley Heck.
White, who played for four years for the Tiger Cubs, said that the season was a much about learning as it was leading the squad.
"We've improved a lot this season," White said. "Lily had some great alley shots in this match but unfortunately, we couldn't pull it out.
"(Lily and I) have been learning a lot about one another this year since this was our first year together as a doubles team. We had a lot of fun because we didn't get down on ourselves. We helped pick each other up and didn't let the other think too poorly of ourselves."
While it was her final match, White said she enjoyed the time on the court and said that Rowe helped keep the squad going.
"I've really loved playing at Greencastle," White said. "It's been a lot of fun and I loved getting to know everybody.
"We've had great coaches and (Coach Rowe) came in and really took charge this year. We've had a lot of fun working and playing for him."
Rowe, for his part, said that the squad warmed to him quickly and added that the team gelled quickly with one another.
"One way to become a good coach is to build a good rapport with the girls," Rowe said. "No matter what girl I called to play, they were excited to play and try their hardest.
"Building that rapport helps the team dynamic and helps them individually as well. Overall, this season went well with a record over .500. I'm happy to be here and hopefully have a few more years ahead of me."
Having accepted the position in March, Rowe was quick to note that the squad would be able to prepare long-term and would be better prepared for what lies ahead next season.
"I'm pretty excited for next year," Rowe said. "We have six players coming back and some great court players within that group.
"We'll be able to get in shape, playing and hitting much sooner this upcoming season. We had little time to get in shape but the girls turned that around quickly, which was good to see.
"This year, we'll have a full eight months to get ready for the new season," Rowe added. "They'll come out sharper early on and progress again as the season continues so I think it will work out well."
Northview Sectional
Northview 5, Greencastle 0
Individual Match Results
Singles
Rebeger (N) def. Harms (G) 6-0, 6-1
Miller (N) def. Hurst (G) 6-3, 6-1
Heck (N) def. Zapp (G) 6-1, 6-3
Baker/Minor (N) def. White/Spencer (G) 6-3, 6-4
S. Timberman/Pollard def. Chadd/L. Trout 6-1, 6-4