Milan Girls Tennis Swept Out of Opener

 The Milan Big Reds girls’ tennis team opened their 2011 season with a tough 0-8 loss on Tuesday against the Ladywood Blazers.  Milan head coach Nathan Rodriguez is not worried, however, and still thinks his team will improve as the year goes on.

“A lot of people were getting their first match in, it’s tough.  There are a lot of things to work on, like staying consistent.  We need to make sure we’re working the point; I like them to get two or three shots before trying to finish the point, not always trying to win on the first ball,” said Rodriguez.

The young team played a number of fresh faces for the first time, including Junior Maggie William and Freshman Melinda Rosales.  Returning seniors Lizzie Jones and Katie Werstein wrapped up the meet in a close loss in a doubles match while shaking off the winter rust.

“[Lizzie’s] one of our co-captains.  She’s played doubles for four years, same with Katie.  I want to say that they’ve played together all four years, so it’s nothing new for them, except that it’s the first match,” said Rodriguez.

Milan’s coach saw room for improvement, but was pleased to see the girls energetic and playing hard.  While he would have preferred a better outcome, he still thinks his team will climb up the rest of the season while they continue to put in the hard work they have so far.

“It was our first match, so obviously we’re putting some things together.  We’re going to iron some of the mistakes, but overall it was a great effort and a real positive attitude.  Those are the two things we’re going to need going forward: effort and attitude,” said Rodriguez.

The tennis team travels to Adrian on Wednesday, March 30 for its next match.