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Landry looks to take state spot at Fishers Regional
In a way, the week of preparation for Allie Landry ahead of this Saturday’s IHSAA Fishers Girls’ Tennis Individual Regional was both a little odd and yet comforting at the same time.
The Greencastle freshman has played tennis across the area for several years, so the pressure of competing at the regional round won’t be unusual, but going from a team practice to working solo with head coach Anette Munoz was a new feeling.
“Some people have shown up to play and it’s a little weird being out here by myself but it’s also peaceful being out here like I normally play tennis,” Landry said about practice leading up to the regional. “We’ve been working on my consistency as I’ll be playing some better players.
“I’ve also had some cramping issues in my legs in a couple of matches so I’ve been working on practice with more intensity so that my body gets used to playing in the heat.”
Munoz said much of the work this week was based around what Landry saw as deficiencies in her game.
“I talk with Allie about what she wants to work on because she knows her strengths and weaknesses,” Munoz said. “We’ve focused a lot on cleaning on some strokes and repetition with the ball machine.
“I’m also grateful that Trent Ross, a Greencastle graduate who is playing tennis at USI, is connected in the community and has come out to help our girls as a volunteer the last couple of years. His stroke is better for Allie to work with and is helping her prepare for Saturday.”
Landry will open the regional against Southport senior Carlie Streit while the other match at the regional features Lawrence North junior Isabelle May and Avon junior Hanan Awale.
Both matches will begin at 10 a.m. The winners of each match will face off at 2 p.m. for a spot at the IHSAA Girls’ Tennis Individual State Finals June 9-10 at Park Tudor High School.
While Greencastle does not play any of the aforementioned schools, Landry will see a face she knows out on the court Saturday.
“I actually played in a class with May when I was 10,” Landry noted. “I’ve known her for a while but I haven’t seen her for some time and haven’t played any of them before.
“I don’t know much about how Streit plays but my friend from Terre Haute South (Sarah Rowe) played her and won 6-1, 6-2 (Rowe also defeated Awale 7-6 (7-2), 6-0 this season). That gives me a little bit of confidence that Sara beat her.”
With limited information going into the regional, Landry said it was important to not overthink things and get settled in for a long day of tennis.
“I need to remember to play my game and not think about how someone is hitting the ball, records or how good anyone is,” Landry said. “I need to focus on myself and play how I always play.
“I feel pretty comfortable playing two matches in a day during the summer. There have been times I’ve played three matches, which is a lot.”
Munoz agreed, pointing to Landry’s style as one of the things that makes her a great tennis player.
“She’ll compete,” Munoz said. “She’s never backed down, plays aggressively and has been smart throughout her whole season, which is why she is where she is and I don’t see her changing that.
“She never starts timid and that’s a strong quality of hers. She puts her best game out there and that’s really paid off.”
Regardless of outcome, Landry said she was eager to test herself against good competition Saturday.
“Anything can happen but I’m excited,” Landry said. “My parents are excited, my family is excited and we’ll see what happens.”