By Emily Lock
As we reflect on this year’s fall sports, we must acknowledge the resounding wave of victories and milestones that marked the girl’s tennis season. The team, led by Coach Nelson and Coach Hansen, defied expectations and achieved unprecedented success.
From their first triumphs that earned them their first trophy of the season to their exceptional playing at the Conference tournament, the Comets demonstrated their remarkable skills throughout the season. They kept their positive momentum going as some varsity players advanced to Sectionals to conclude the season.
Early off in the season, the girl’s tennis team destroyed Beloit Memorial, Burlington Catholic Central, and Columbus earning them their first trophy on Aug. 18. Success continued on Aug. 22 when the Comets battled Watertown Luther Prep and won 5-2. Three of the four singles players won in a Super Tie Break Set- a set up to 10 points used to determine the winner when a match is tied 6-6. The Comets placed second, defeating Edgerton and Whitewater.
On Sept. 9, the Comet Tennis Team defeated Portage 5-2, Monroe 5-2 and Catholic Central 7-0 during a quad meet, earning them their second trophy. Number one doubles and all four singles players destroyed their opponents by winning against all three teams.
Head coach Nelson commented, “It’s been a long time since the DDHS girl’s tennis team has won a tournament.” Playing Edgerton right before the Conference tournament earned the girls a record of 5-1 in Conference and overall 19-5. At the Conference tournament, eight out of the ten varsity players medaled. Mckenna O’Grady at One Singles, Emily Lock at Four Singles and Grace Johnson and Megan Markley at One Doubles all received bronze medals. Sophie Szczap at Two Singles, Brooke O’Grady at Three Singles, and Tia Bethke and Irais Medrano at Three Doubles all received silver medals. Overall, the girl’s tennis team placed second at conference right behind the East Troy Trojans.
This was just the season coach Nelson and coach Hanson had hoped for heading into Sub-Sectionals. Nelson said, “It has been an enjoyable and amazing season. The best season of Girls Tennis that Delavan has seen.” He enjoyed the positive environment created every day at practice.
The team consisted of 14 girls, eight of them being seniors. At Sub Sectionals, three varsity girls advanced to Sectionals: singles players Emily Lock, Brooke O’Grady and Sophie Szczap. On the night of Oct. 3, all three girls with Coach Nelson and Hanson took the long haul up to LaCrosse, Wisconsin. On the morning of Oct. 4, the girls fought to advance to state.
Singles Two, Sophie Szczap placed fourth at sectionals after battling against OnAlaska and Edgewood. Singles Three, Brooke O’Grady placed third at sectionals after playing LaCrosse Aquinas and Onalaska. Singles Four, Emily Lock placed fourth at sectionals after playing against LaCrosse Aquinas and West Salem. Coming close to state was a noteworthy achievement for these girls.
However not just varsity had an amazing season. The JV girls also had great success. At the JV conference, Emily Hamlin and Harlie Seuser received third place medals, destroying most of the other teams in the conference.
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