Plenty of Opportunities for Girls' Tennis

Most teams suffering only two losses in a season are quite happy with the outcome. In many situations, an 11-2 record would mean going to districts or maybe even states. However, a strong PAC-10 was the big challenge in girls' tennis in 2010-2011, and the Rams missed their shot at districts.

Coming out of the gates, the girls defeated a tough Phoenixville team 6-1, which according to eighth year head coach Todd Reagan set the momentum for the year. The girls didn't lose a contest until their 11th match of the year, losing 3-4 to Methacton, who later went on to win the PAC-10. The only other loss was a late-season heartbreaker to Boyertown.

The PAC-10 looks very strong this year with a lot of young talent returning from last year’s teams," Reagan said. "Our squad has been working very hard and is looking forward to a very competitive season. The girls know that there will be many challenging matches this year, but are looking forward to the competition."

One of the big differences between last year and this year is the senior leadership. The Rams lost 10 seniors to graduation including singles players Val McEvoy and Chelsea Davis. However, Reagan has since seen two girls fill in those shoes nicely in senior Jess Unger and junior Steph Cifarelli; both played on the doubles teams last year.

"They’ve been playing really well, so I’m pleased with them," said Reagan. "We’ll definitely miss some of those seniors that we lost."

Also returning from the starting lineup are sophomore Clair Parker and seniors Emily Bresnan and Kelsey Griffin.

"I think we have, pretty much, five lead-by-example leaders," Reagan said. "They’re not rah-rah too much in your face. They do everything right and all five seniors just lead by example. They’re quiet and confident and it’s nice to have a group like that."

The other holes left by advancements and graduation most likely will be filled by sophomore Tomomi Mitsuzaka, freshman Natalie Wright and junior MaryBeth Moscirella. Reagan indicated there may still be some junior varsity players lurking in the shadows, ready to jump into the starting lineup on the varsity squad, too.

The Rams again start off the season with Phoenixville, hoping to set the tone with a big win again, but will also be looking for revenge against Methacton and Boyertown.

"We’re really just hoping to be competitive and have really good matches in our league schedule," Reagan said. "We have a couple of tough opponents, with a lot of young talent around the league. We think we have a good shot at trying to play everybody tough. We know that there will be some 3-4 and 4-3 matches against some tough teams and how hard we have to work to get the four wins."

2011/2012 Spring-Ford High School Girls' Tennis Schedule

8/30 - Season/Home Opener vs. Phoenixville (3:30 p.m.)

9/1 - Away @ Pottsgrove S.D. (3:30 p.m.)

9/2 - Away @ Haverford (10:00 a.m.)

9/7 - Home vs. Downingtown West (3:30 p.m.)

9/8 - Home vs. Pottstown (3:30 p.m.)

9/12 - Home vs. Upper Merion (3:30 p.m.)

9/13 - Away @ Perkiomen Valley (3:30 p.m.)

9/15 - Home vs. Pope John Paul II H.S. (3:30 p.m.)

9/20 - Away @ Upper Perkiomen (3:30 p.m.)

9/22 - Home vs. Owen J. Roberts (3:30 p.m.)

9/27 - Away @ Methacton (3:30 p.m.)

9/29 - Home vs. Boyertown (3:30 p.m.)

10/3 - Home vs. Souderton (3:30 p.m.)

10/4 - Away @ Pennridge (3:30 p.m.)