Girls TennisA team can have all of the skill in the world, but if it doesn’t gel as one unit they will often fall short of success.
By: Nick Schaefer
The Hopewell Valley Central High School girls tennis team has displayed both of these characteristics in its 4-0 start.
"We have a talented group of players," said head coach Maria Gonzalez. "They are playing as a team and seem to be really connecting with each other.
"Playing as a group is just as important as having the talent. If you play like a bunch of individuals it is tough to win."
Their most recent victory came against local rival Lawrence. It was not shocking Hopewell won the match, but it was a little bit of a surprise they swept all of the games to win 5-0.
"When we have played Lawrence in past years, it has come down to the wire," Gonzalez said. "Last year, we beat them, 3-2, so shutting them out this time was a nice outcome.
"It wasn’t like we played a bad team. Lawrence has a good reputation."
The Lady Bulldogs overpowered the Cardinals and won every set from start to finish.
Sophomore Lindsey Drewry won, 6-2, 6-1, in first singles. In second singles, freshman Danielle Morse overwhelmed her opponent, taking the match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. Senior Katie Deutsch won her third singles match, 6-3, 6-3.
Doubles was no different. The Lady Bulldogs dominated both of their doubles contests, only losing a total of five games in four sets.
First doubles team of freshman Amsi Shah and sophomore Cissy Ouyang were victorious, 6-1, 6-3. Junior Ashley Burrell and Christy Cramp won, 6-1, 6-0.
With such a young team, mostly containing underclassmen on its varsity squad, it is critical Hopewell got off to a good start, according to Gonzalez.
"We have a very young team," said Gonzalez. "I am really proud of the way they have played and handled themselves so far this season. They are playing as if they are an experienced group of players. The more matches we play the better our younger players will get.
"Usually it is difficult for young high school girls to play as team like we are doing now, but they do it well. They really do a good job of staying focused and pulling together as a team."
The Lady Bulldogs will have to be at their best when they take on Colonial Valley Conference powerhouses West Windsor-Plainsboro North and South in its next two matches.
"They are both very big matches," said Gonzalez. "It will be a good test for us to see were we stand against some of the conference’s top competition. I think they both are really tough teams, but any team can win on any given day."
Gonzalez said her team is playing with a lot of confidence and enthusiasm.
"We really believe we can win," said Gonzalez.

