The season may have come to a seemingly abrupt end for the girls of Indian River’s tennis team, but first-year head coach Karen Oliphant couldn’t be more proud of her players.
Jocelyn Hazzard will be a likely contender returning next year at second-singles, filling the void left by IR grad Erica Evans.“The girls have really come a long way since the start of the season,” she said. “It would have been nice to end on a higher note, but there’s definitely been improvement along the way, and that’s the big thing.”
The team split their last four games with wins over Polytech and Lake Forest last week, and losses to Milford and Smyrna this past Monday and Tuesday. The last four games rounded out the season with an in-state record of 5-7 and an overall record of 5-9 for the Lady Indians.
Once again, second-singles Erica Evans walked away with the only wins for Indian River in their match-ups at Milford and Smyrna.
With the regular season concluded, the girls have their minds set on the Henlopen Conference Tournament for one last bout. Seeding was released Thursday, May 10, for the tournament, set to be held at Sea Colony tennis courts on Friday, May 11, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Reflecting on the season, Oliphant noticed a change in the attitude of all the players.
“They really came out and [played] for themselves,” she said. “A lot of them have really grown since the start. They’ve matured a lot, as well.”
The doubles team of Katie Farber and Brittany Baker has stood out exceptionally, she said. The two began the season as an exhibition team, but willingly rose to the challenge when the coach needed them to start as either the first- or second-doubles team.
“The two of them have really played well together, and they both have developed their stroke,” Oliphant said.
A positive outlook has also showed through in the players’ performances.
“What I really like about the girls is that there are some that stay focused and keep their heads in the game,” she said. “Jocelyn [Hazzard] has a very positive attitude when she’s out there playing. She and most of the other girls put the little things aside and keep playing their game.”
With her fairly young team, made up primarily of sophomores, Oliphant is looking forward to working with the group in the upcoming years.
Evans, as well as doubles player Mandie Buet – both seniors – will leave some vacant positions on the team as they prepare for life after high school. Sophomore starter Ramsey Reuther will most likely be returning at first-singles, while a probable move will put Hazzard at second-singles and sophomore Julia Jaquette at third singles.
“It’s hard to tell this early exactly what the team will be like next year,” said Oliphant. “My doubles teams are all very strong, and as of now, it would be a toss-up.”
The exhibition teams have managed wins in the concluding season matches, suggesting that they could vie for starting spots as next year turns around. But, she said, there’s no telling what the 2008 spring season will bring.
Whatever the outcome, Oliphant stated that this year’s performance was an improvement from last year, and she was proud how much the girls have really come together.
“Everyone worked as a team,” she said. “We hit a rough spot in the season, but they really stepped up to the plate.”
The past year has taught Oliphant a number of things, including commitment to the team.
“It’s a give-take relationship,” she said, “as is anything. I had to realize I was dealing with a lot of girls with their own schedules and lives. I found that sometimes, I have to set my own boundaries and keep everyone together.”
Managing time and organizing her own priorities was on her list of improvements for next year, too.
The coach encouraged all returning players to stay active in the off-season. “This was really a building season for us,” she said. “Hopefully, they get outside this summer, work on their skills and play around. Some of them are even taking lessons. I’m happy if they keep swinging.”