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By Sophie Johnson, Sports Editor
Nothing like opening up a fresh can of tennis balls and hearing them bounce off the concrete, right? This may not sound like the most satisfying thing to you, but for the FFHS women’s tennis team, it marks the start of a new match in a season full of big plans.
The team has already beaten a number of opponents in 9-0 blowouts and pulled out a 6-3 win over Northeastern in their first meeting. Northeastern was the Nighthawks’ biggest worry, but after a nailbiting four and a half hours, they came out with a win.
“Northeastern is strong,” head coach Kim Young said. “They already beat Edenton 6-3. They’re going to be our toughest match.”
With only one freshman, the team is full of returners, including sophomore Gray Tillett. She made it all the way to the final four of the individual state tournament last year and is looking forward to returning again this season.
“I’m feeling good. I think we’re gonna get a lot of wins,” Tillett said. “Last year, Edenton was the only team we lost to and they aren’t in our conference this year. We pretty much smoked everyone last year. The only teams we’re really worried about are Northeastern and Currituck.”
The Nighthawks battle Currituck in their final regular-season home match Thursday. Play begins at 4 on the courts behind the school. FFHS also will honor its seniors in this match.
The team was first in conference last year and is looking to hold that title this year as well with a talented top six that also includes Courtney Tillett, Hunter Haskett, Ashley Forbes, Lauren Shelton and Sammie Lilliston.
“I think it’s gonna go great,” said Forbes, a junior. “I think we have a good chance at being first in conference again because we beat Northeastern by a good amount and they were our only worry this year.”
Sometimes, balancing school and sports can get difficult. Forbes has missed a few matches due to soccer a couple days a week.
“I’ll miss a few matches because I also play soccer in Virginia,” Forbes said. “I’m worried about juggling soccer, school and tennis. It’s gonna be tough.”
The Nighthawks still have a few matches left on their home schedule and should host at least one playoff match. Mark your calendars to come see a match before this year’s talented team is done making history.
Junior Sophie Johnson can be reached at johnsonso0628@daretolearn.org.
