By Angel Tran – Sports –

This girls tennis team found themselves in a unique situation this year when they ended up with more talent than they could fit on a varsity roster.

“All the girls have been making their mark this year,” head coach Lisa Effle said. “Every single girl on varsity has earned a medal, and almost all of them boast a winning record [11-3 as of May 9th] in both doubles and singles.”

Building a solid foundation on their doubles teams, they are also strong in singles as well.

“Our doubles teams are really good,” number two doubles player junior Sarah Smith said. “Overall, we are a really deep team, and every one of our players beat each other [at practice]. Everyone is really tal- ented, and we all like each other which really helps strengthen us as a team.”

One outstanding player, senior Han Le, has been talked up by teammates and other teams and coaches.

“I think Han Le, who is one of our seniors, has done an amazing job. She is so talented and keeps her cool all the time,” Smith said. “A lot of times, coaches or players will come up to us and compliment her attitude and how great she is.”

A major goal for any team is to be undefeated and to beat state leaders as well as “come back” from losses during previous seasons.

“The one that we lost, we didn’t lose by a lot..it was Southwest. And one of our big goals was to beat Southeast, and we already did which was really good,” number two doubles player, sophomore, Avery Smith said.

“We have struggled with some injuries this year, so improving muscle mass in the off season will
be important,” Effle said. “We have beaten all the teams we should but I hope to see some upsets before the end of the season.”

“It [tennis] seems like it’s not that hard, but it’s actually a lot harder than it looks, and it’s a work

out. It’s definitely a sport and I think it is really fun, but really it’s aggressive and just fun,” Smith said.

“Top to bottom we are a solid squad,” Effle said. Watch the girls compete at state on May 18th and May 19th at Tranquility Park in Omaha, Nebraska.