Varsity tennis competed in the individual SPC tournament from March 23 to 24. Kinkaid sent five boys and girls each to play two lines of singles, one doubles and one mixed.
The team traveled by bus after school Thursday for three hours. The boys’ team was led by head coach Mr. Ross Shaw and assistant coach Mr. Steven Boeder. The girls’ team was led by head coach Ms. Tami Morris.
The tournament was initially delayed due to heavy storms in the area. After players and coaches rolled the courts, the teams were ready to play.
Both teams achieved major success at the tournament. The girls won two championships in doubles and mixed. Senior Ellie Morrow won the girls’ mixed championship. Freshman Phoebe Bialas and Chloe Brissett won the doubles tournament.
Morrow, who committed to Purdue University to play tennis, said she enjoyed competing.
“I had fun playing in the SPC Individual Tournament with Gabe Xu! We enjoy doubles; our game styles complement each other well,” she said. “Even though we won, there were moments where we didn’t play as well, but we encouraged each other to finish. I am happy to have won since it’s my senior year and mixed doubles was introduced, and I look forward to playing doubles in college at Purdue.”
The Kinkaid boys varsity team reached the championship in doubles after a close match against St. John’s, but lost in the final.
Sophomore Gus Pielop and senior Drew Adler competed in the singles tournament, and fought well before being knocked out in the semifinals. Seniors Ammar Ali and Hayden Lewitton competed in the doubles and placed second in their tournament.
“It was great competing, having fun, and most importantly, getting that win in the end and supporting the team,” Xu, the sole boy’s winner, said. Xu won in the mixed championship match.
After heading back late Saturday night, the teams were looking forward to the SPC team tournament in April.
