By Chris Bennett
Sports Correspodent
It might turn into a special year for the Waterford High School girls tennis team.
“I really think we have an opportunity this year,” coach Linda Jones said. “The girls that I have are really quite flexible, as far as where I can put them.
“I think we have a golden opportunity this year to go far. Let’s just hope we can capitalize on that.”
Waterford finished 5-2 last season in Southern Lakes Conference dual meets and fourth overall in the conference.
The Wolverines sent one entry to the WIAA Division1 state girls’ tennis tournament – the doubles duo of Bridget Brockman and Alyssa Schimelfenyg.
The two defeated Whitefish Bay’s Coelie Merrill and Maddie Riedl 6-2, 6-3 in the first round.
In the second round, Brockman and Schimelfenyg beat Neenah’s Katherine Bosio and Christina Price 6-4 in the first set before losing the next two sets 6-2 and 6-2.
Brockman is back and is playing No. 1 singles while Schimelfenyg recovers from a slight injury. Taylor Webb is at No. 2 and Angel Pryzbylka is at No. 3 singles.
Katie Queram and Lauren Sikora are at No. 1 doubles. Kate Weber and Sammy Soeder are at No. 2 and Kerry O’Keefe and Megan Esch are at No. 3 doubles.
Jones also said Waterford’s last conference title in girls tennis dates to the 1970s, and she also discussed the distinct of more girls advancing to this season’s girls state tennis tournament.
The story of the recent success of the girls tennis program cannot be told without discussing the Waterford Tennis Association. Jones said the program formed in 2009 and started play in 2010.
Many of the seniors on the Wolverines’ squad took lessons with Jones through the WTA. High school tennis is dominated by those with club experience, and the WTA helps keep Waterford competitive.
Jones said 45 girls are out for tennis this year, which is up from the roughly 20 she had when she started at Waterford eight years ago.
An effort is on to raise money to shed some light on the subject of tennis in Waterford.
“Light the Courts” is an event taking place from 5-8 p.m. Sept. 13 at Waterford High School.
Jones said the WTA rented lights and will illuminate the courts to demonstrate what it’s like to play in the evening. Beverages and snacks will be provided, and donations are welcome. Anyone interested is urged to bring a racket.
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