Young team looks to cause a ‘racquet’

Published 8:57 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

Despite losing six varsity tennis players to graduation and rainy weather that has not allowed much court time, Mount Si tennis coach Sue Gallacher is optimistic about the Wildcats’ tennis future.

“I think next year we are going to be a very good team,” said Gallacher. “This year, if we get some experience, we will be fine. I’m excited.”

But court time has been difficult at best with one of the wettest springs in recent memory. This brings added challenges to coaching considering the youth in the Wildcats’ tennis ranks.

“Replacing seven varsity players and getting out on the courts right now is the biggest challenge,” said Gallacher. “This team is so young we have to get these kids out and play a lot of matches and we haven’t had that opportunity yet.”

This season’s turnout was the largest ever for Gallacher, who took over the program 6 years ago, with 45 coming out the first day and 33 making the team.

The large number of players and the inclement weather have made the preseason practice schedule difficult.

“With 33 kids in the gym it is near impossible. We hit against the wall, do a lot of conditioning, but we only have the gym for 45 minutes,” she said reflecting the number of teams trying to squeeze practices inside.

For the complete story, pick up a copy of this week’s Valley Record