Oskaloosa Girls Tennis Shows Promise Despite Regional Setbacks
The Oskaloosa Girls Tennis team, led by coach Bryan Kime, faced tough competition in the Regional Team event this past Friday. Despite the challenging matches, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and potential for future success.
The competition commenced on a bright and sunny day, albeit after a brief delay to allow the courts to dry fully. “The girls finally played on a beautiful sunny day with very little wind,” Coach Kime noted, emphasizing the favorable weather conditions that set the stage for the day’s events.
Oskaloosa, a young team with limited experience in high-pressure games, did not let the magnitude of the Regional Team competition deter their spirits. Coach Kime observed they “saved their best tennis for today” despite a 2-5 loss. Many matches were close, indicating promising signs for a team mostly composed of underclassmen. “This is just part of being a young team and a team that hasn’t played pressure situations very much,” explained Kime.
Looking forward, the coach is optimistic about the team’s prospects. With only one senior departing, the team’s core remains intact, which bodes well for their development and competitive outlook. “Today will help this team for next year,” Kime stated, affirming his belief in the team’s bright future.
In singles play, the team had mixed results. Ava Ridenour and Lexi Prather faced tough opponents and, despite their efforts, did not secure wins. However, Hannah Nelson and Aysica Morrow uplifted the team spirit with their victories. In doubles, the teams of Nelson & Prather and DeBoef & Morrow faced challenges, with some matches suspended due to the format, which ends when a team cumulates five points.
Coach Kime concluded, reflecting on the team’s performance and growth opportunities. “They played so hard today and gave themselves and the team a chance,” he remarked. As the season nears its end, Kime expressed satisfaction that the team is peaking at the right moment: “Every team just hopes they’re playing the best tennis of the season this time of year and this group can truly say this.”
