"THE WEEK THAT WAS" - SPORTS BLOG BY TOMMY ORNDORFF
Some of the more popular blogs through the years have been Q&A sit-downs with our coaches. That noted, this week's The Week That Was continues that recent trend – a Q&A session with girls tennis head coach Eric Parson.
THE WEEK THAT WAS: Talk to me about your season, both the regular season and the WCAC Championship Tournament. During our talks this fall, it seems like this is a very young team with those younger players also very, very good. Your thoughts on the season and our future with these young players.
COACH PARSON: The coaching team approached the 2016 season wholly optimistic with hopeful hearts and open minds. Having graduated four seniors from last year's squad – our top four seeds, each of which were spirited leaders, we were left with a great deal of open opportunity. We have a young team rich in spirit and talent, if perhaps a bit a short on confidence and competitive experience. We would be a team in transition, and there was much to be discovered. And "discovery" would be my main message and mantra for our players throughout the season. As Aristotle said: "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."
TWTW: Who are our top players – and why are they so? In our earlier conversations, you were really high on your sophomores...what do each of 'em bring to the table that makes 'em special?
COACH PARSON: Emerging as this year's #1 player was sophomore Ola Barrettt (pictured above). Ola is a transfer student, and this is her first season with the team. She proved to be a vital addition. I am continually impressed by her adaptable and thoughtful approach during play. Grit and guile are her greatest assets. She works hard during the point, plays to her strengths, and looks to exploit her opponents' vulnerabilities. That's high praise for the tennis player.
At #2 is sophomore Jen Gulley(pictured right). Jen is a talented true all-court player. She is blessed with a beautiful service motion, and when it's on, it is a serious weapon. Consistency in her service game is key to her confidence and success. Within the point, she is at her best in attack and transition play, ripping the approach and looking to finish at the net.
Sophomore Annie Clerici plays at #3. Annie is a pure power player, hammering her serve and pounding the ball with prodigious pop off both wings. She is particularly strong off of her blistering back-hand side. She is most successful when dictating play and keeping the points short and sweet.
Playing at #4 is junior Sarah Tran. Sarah has a great deal of talent and potential. She has ability to control play with a big serve and heavy ground strokes. Harnessing and channeling her talents is Sarah's challenge as she continues to grow in confidence.
At #5, junior Shalyn Roscoe-Dunton is a highly athletic and spirited competitor. She is our team cheerleader, figuratively and literally, as we share her with the DJO cheerleading squad.
Rounding out our top seeds at #6 is sophomore Corrine Reusch. Quite contrary to her off-court demeanor, Corrine has a quiet intensity on court. She is tenacious in her efforts and a driven competitor. Practice and patience are paramount to the continued improvement in her competitive play.
Our #1 doubles team pairs Ola and Jen, at #2 is Annie and Sarah, and Shalyn and Corrine play at #3.
Our roster also includes senior Karol Calvimontes, sophomore Annemarie Cake, and freshmen Abril Brea, Abby Kinsella and Valencia McIntosh. Each make significant contributions to our team culture and perform positively in ISL, exhibition and seeded play.
TWTW: What was our overall record and WCAC record? Where did we finish in standings?
We closed the season at a solid 5-8, 4-4 in conference play, and a fifth-place finish at the WCAC Tournament.
TWTW: Anything else that you would like to add... topic, point, anything?
COACH PARSON: This year's campaign was an enriching and rewarding experience for the coaching staff, team and our tennis family. We embraced our challenges and now have a greater understanding of ourselves as players and as people. We look forward to the future, wiser and bettered by our experience.
Also of important note...
The girls and boys varsity tennis teams came together this fall for a service project, hosting the first of what we hope to be an annual Bishop O'Connell/CYO Tennis Clinic. Our players engaged with over 50 youth tennis players, sharing their experience and love for the game by practicing drills and playing games. It was truly a compassionate venture and great success.
