WILDCAT
Tennis
By Annalise Meyers
Photo Credit: Scott Tyler
alestine Wildcat tennis is at an all-time high. This is the first year that the tennis program has participated in fall tennis. Spring tennis is where the players compete individually, fall tennis is better known as team tennis. Fall tennis consists of the top seven boys and girls who play singles and doubles. Each match is a point for the team, and the first team to ten points wins.
Head Coach Scott Tyler said, “The tennis team is excited about getting the chance to play fall tennis for the first time. They have put a lot of work in, starting in the summer, and it is showing in the results we have gotten so far.” As of now, the Wildcats are undefeated. The team has competed against Mexia, where they won 19-0, and Madisonville, 12-7. “Our strength this year is our depth for both boys and girls. We are strong one through seven and that plays a big role in having success in team tennis,” Coach Tyler said. Mexia, Athens, and Madisonville are the only teams to compete against in district. With the right mindset and determination Palestine hopes to win district and advance to the area tournament.
A majority of the top players for the Wildcats are seniors and will be graduating in 2017. Although they will not be returning next year, they have been a huge part of the Palestine tennis program. Seven seniors will be graduatiing and each one serves as a crucial part of the team. Captains Lucas Sheeley and Annalise Meyers are among two of the seniors that will be graduating. "That group came in when tennis was not the most popular sport on the campus. But, their hard work and dedication the last four years has put Palestine on the map as far as tennis,” Coach Tyler said. Although these seniors will be missed, there are still very determined students who are ready for the upcoming years.
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