The MVRHS girls tennis team opened practice for the 2019 season earlier this month in preparation for a 16-match season that begins March 28 at Monomoy Regional High School.
The team, under the direction of first-year Coach Chris Scott, is comprised of 11 girls, nine of them underclassmen. Island tennis pros Paul Pertile and Joe Holland will provide occasional support at practices.
Coach Scott takes over a program that has reached rarefied heights in recent years. MVRHS girls tennis has won four consecutive state titles, last year’s coming after they were bumped up to Division 2. One of his goals is to keep these past achievements in proper perspective.
“Winning four straight titles is remarkable for our school’s population size,” said Coach Scott. “We talked about those championships once, at our first practice. From here on, our next big match will be the next one on the schedule, whoever it is. This is a new team playing in a new league against new opponents.”
As for his team’s prospects, the coach is optimistic. “This team is oriented for success, and I thank the program’s past coaches, Nina Bramhall and Liz Roberts, for that,” he said. “I’m an Island tennis parent, and I know these girls have the maturity, enthusiasm, and commitment needed to do well. They are a very coachable group.”
Coach Scott is indeed a tennis parent. His daughter Victoria is one of two senior co-captains, the other being Kelly Klaren. The two talked about the captains’ role. “Our job is to make sure the girls stay focused. We can help them stay positive and enjoy the game,” said Victoria.
“We have a mix of veterans and rookies,” added Kelly. “We’re now in the Cape and Islands league. It will be different and exciting.”
The co-captains’ enthusiasm was evident as Victoria led the team through their stretches. “Let’s get those ligaments moving,” she called out cheerfully. Moments later, the group called encouragement to an injured teammate on the sideline: “We love you!” There were good vibes all around.
One task that was addressed early was the team’s challenge matches. In addition to drills, practice time has been spent on intrateam competition to establish the squad’s top three singles players and top two doubles teams. These rankings, which can change during the season, determine the “starting lineup” against each opponent.
Ultimately, that starting lineup would bear the look of experience. The top three singles slots remain unchanged from last year: No. 1, Kelly Klaren, No. 2, Victoria Scott, and No. 3, junior Hannah Rabasca. The No. 1 doubles team, moving up a slot from last year, are juniors Molly Pogue and Chesca Quinian-Potter. Junior Alex Rego and freshman Tessa Hammond are the No. 2 doubles pairing.
As practice proceeded from stretching to a series of drills, the omnipresent MVRHS wind strengthened and the low sun glared. “Two of our home-court advantages,” Coach Scott observed with a smile. “Our kids are accustomed to the wind gusts and the solar angle.”
Buoyed by strong veteran leadership and a palpable team spirit, this group appears to have more than the elements going for them.
