The boys’ tennis team has been cruising through the season with an overall season score of 11-5. Similarly, they boast a 5-2 record within our district, which includes John Champe, Woodgrove, Park View, and Broad Run, all of which are strong contenders. Our boys’ tennis team will be hosting Woodgrove District Semi-finals home match thanks to their strong record against them.
It wasn’t just physical skill that got the team to where they are now, however; the team had to have immense mental strength as well. When the team was down 1-4 against Woodgrove, freshman Tyler Partlow pushed through the pressure as the last singles’ match on the court and won back his match when he was down 1-5. “I was just thinking, this is a big match, I got to win this,” said Partlow. Partlow went on to win his match 9-7, contributing immensely to the team’s overall win against Woodgrove that day.
The wins don’t stop there. Freshman Tyler Colavita, ranked number 8 on the team, showed that despite being new to the team, he certainly wasn’t new to tennis. In his match against John Champe, Colavita fought to bring home a 8-5 win for the team. “I had pretty long rallies with kids that were pretty good,” Colavita said. Yet despite the team’s wins, they definitely aren’t getting complacent. They practice every day, even when the coach can’t make it. Colavita has an improvement plan for future matches: “Groundstrokes. Serves. Power. Topspin,” Colavita said.
Yet the strength the team possesses comes from their close bonds and ability to keep the sport lighthearted. “We always have a good time, always joking while we’re playing,” Partlow said. The fun they had during games and practice also translated into mutual hard work. “I love having a place to practice, and the people,” Colavita said.
Colavita recognized two teammates for their efforts this season: sophomore and number 1 on the team Aiden Armistead, as well as senior and team captain Jinu Manalel.
