The CHS women’s tennis team after their win Tuesday. Courtesy of Daniel Ko Coming off a non-conference loss the day before, the Clinton High School Lady Dark Horse tennis team hosted a home non-conference match Tuesday against the 3A/4A Triton Lady Hawks.
The match opened up at the Dark Horse tennis courts with singles play, followed by doubles. The Lady Hawks took the singles matches by a score of 4-2. In doubles, the Dark Horses were faced with challenge of having to win all three matches in order to win the overall match.
“Going into the match, we knew Triton was going to be a competitive team, we were going to have our hands full”, said Ginger Rivenbark, head coach of CHS.
“This year, we lost seven seniors to graduation, four of whom were on our starting lineup,” said Rivenbark. “This season, we have two seniors who played on last year’s top-six team, Emily Edgerton and Lilly Williams. The rest of the line up includes another senior, Zannah Royal. Juniors April Sinclair and Mady Avery, and Sophomore Alli Naylor, make up our top six starters.”
“We have a young team, but we have the leadership of our upper classmen to guide and mold them,” she added.
The number two and number three doubles teams fought hard and both secured a win, so it was down to the number one doubles team, played by Edgerton and Sinclair.
“Like our top 6, the rest of our line-up is very competitive,” Rivenbark said. “As they grow and mature in the game and play exhibition matches with our competition, it gains them confidence and prepares them for an actual match. These young ladies know they have to be ready to play at a moment’s notice, due to sickness or an injury of our top six.”
Both Clinton and Triton struggled to gain control throughout the final match of the night, with neither team gaining complete control. When one team would rally and gain momentum, their opposition would bounce back and do the same.
A tie-break ensued, lasting for seven points. Clinton emerged victorious, winning 8-6. With that, they won the overall series, 5-4.
“Like most sports, tennis is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical,” said Rivenbark. “When you get statistics, or anything really, in your head instead of the game at hand, you lose focus. After singles play, our girls saw their mistakes and opportunities to gain the come back.”
About the team and the season, Rivenbark said, “I am very blessed to have a great group to work with. First our players. These young ladies want to learn, play, and represent Clinton High School. They have spirit and determination.”
“Yes, I’m biased, but I also have the best parents,” she continued. “This is my third year helping with women’s tennis, and all three years I have had 100 percent support from the parents.”
“Our assistant coaches have been awesome. Tim Ameen has been with the CHS tennis program, men’s and women’s, for over 17 years. Craig Mann, former tennis coach has worked with me the last two years, as well as Daniel Ko, former CHS men’s tennis team player. Each of these coaches bring a different aspect and approach to the game. Our Athletic Director, Brad Spell and Assistant AD, Chad Brewer have always been great to work with as well,” Rivenbark said in an interview.
“Our faithful fans!” she continued, talking about what makes their team successful. “Whether they come to the matches or give us encouragement through our social media outlets. Their kind words impact our team! We would not have a successful season without this support! Unless you live it, you don’t realize how much goes into an extracurricular activity, like high school sports. It truly takes a village to encourage and support each other. We love our Dark Horse Village. Dark Horse Strong.”
Clinton faces off with Triton again next Tuesday at 4 p.m.
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