The Green Level women’s tennis team wrapped up an impressive season with an overall 14-2 record, finishing their playoffs run in the third round. Because of their 2nd place ranking in the state, the team received a bye for the first round and went on to defeat Green Hope in the second. The match was initially tied 3-3 in singles, but the Gators managed to pull through and win two of their doubles, getting the 5-4 win they needed to advance to the third round.
Unfortunately, their playoff journey ended in a 1-5 loss against Broughton, a disappointing result considering that they had defeated them in an easy 6-3 match when the two teams had faced off in August. Although the season ended earlier than they would have hoped, the team’s consistency, perseverance and dedication resulted in them ending the season as conference champions and giving them much to be proud of after one of the program’s strongest seasons yet.
Sophomore Luanne Wang reflected on the team’s success, crediting their chemistry with playing a major role in their accomplishments this year.
“I really think the team bond had a huge part in how successful we were this season,” Wang says. “We’re just all such good friends, which I think a lot of teams don’t have. We’re all willing to sacrifice for each other, and even if only one person is playing, we’ll all be there to cheer them on. Overall, the team spirit is just really exceptional. Of course, we’re sad that we couldn’t have gone further, but the team brought everything they had this year and we’re all really proud.”
Wang notes how much more tense the atmosphere of playoffs was compared to the regular season, which in large part was because of the team’s strong desire to win. But their hopes to ride their hard-earned high that had lasted them through the season into playoffs were dashed when they stepped onto the court last Monday to face off against Broughton.
“The way the season ended was definitely a little bittersweet, especially because we didn’t really expect it,” Wang reflects. “We went into the game believing that we’d win because we had beat Broughton in the conference, and I think going in with that attitude probably played a part in how it ended. But as sad as it was that we lost, we’re going to come back stronger next year.”
Looking back on everything the team accomplished this year, Wang shared a message she hopes future players will remember.
“Just enjoy it, play your heart out, and it is what it is at the end of the day,” she says. “Just try your best and know that everyone will support you no matter what.”
Though their playoff run ended earlier than expected, the Green Level women’s tennis team closed off an incredible season as conference champions with a 14-2 record, a testament to their hard work, chemistry, and determination on the court.
