The JHS girls’ tennis team has started the season off on the right foot with guidance from Coach Joe Brooks and Assistant Coach Harmon Deal, a new addition this season. The top six girls for the varsity team are Gabbi Mann (also a new addition this year), Annie Deal, Lucy Deal, Molly McGiles, Taylor Heady, and Hannah Scobbie. The Lady Crimsons defeated the Lincoln Railsplitters at their first home meet 8-1. Although they lost the dual meet against SHG 1-8, the matches were closer than past encounters.
Assistant Coach Deal says, “We have some exceptional new additions to the team and a promising season ahead of us.” Jacksonville’s home meet against Rochester was rescheduled due to heat last Tuesday. The most recent home meet was last Wednesday against Quincy High, a top team in the area. Although the Crimsons lost 3-6, the matches were all very competitive and the overall score was much improved from previous seasons.
This past Saturday was the annual Jacksonville Invite, which hosted ten teams from the surrounding area. The girls played all over town at the IC, MacMurray, Jacksonville Country Club, and YMCA tennis courts. Chatham placed first in the invite, Metamora came in second, and Jacksonville third. Gabbi Mann placed second for the number one singles and Annie Deal placed first for the number two singles. Coach Brooks says, “All the girls have been working hard and have really improved. They placed third in the Jacksonville Invite, which is the best JHS has done in a while. I think we have really good chances at conference and sectional and look forward to a great rest of the season.”
The tennis team has also attended the Springfield and Central Illinois Invites where they have placed. Around 15 teams usually attend these invitationals. The next home meet will be Monday the 23rd against Macomb at 4:15 at the Illinois College tennis courts.