Huron tennis team at State Girls’ Tennis Tournament
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SIOUX FALLS — The 2017 State Girls’ Tennis Tournament, which begins today and continues through Saturday in Sioux Falls and Brandon, will undoubtedly be a learning experience for the Huron Tigers.
With a lineup that consists of mainly sophomores and freshman, Huron coach Leah Branaugh is looking for her team to put forth its best effort and, hopefully, gain from the experience.
“I am hoping for the girls to win the matches that they are capable of winning and keep the matches competitive against the higher seeded teams,” said Branaugh, who is in her first season as head coach for the Tigers. “For many of the girls it will be their first state tournament, and I want them to enjoy the experience so next year they know what to expect and how they need to play and improve to be successful.
“I hope the girls will remain positive and work on the things that coach Rachel Kary and I have had them work on throughout the season,” she said. “Many of these girls are capable of beating players seeded ahead of them if they go out and play, move their feet, stay positive, and don’t over think things.”
Freshman Kayla Harvey will be the highest seeded player entering the tournament for Huron. She has put together a 13-12 record this season in the third flight singles, where she is seeded 10th in the 23-player field.
“She does have a win over the No. 7 seed and has played the No. 3 seed close both times we have played them this season,” Branaugh said of Harvey. “If she plays well, she could find herself finishing in the top 8, which she is more than capable of.”
The rest of the lineup has struggled to collect wins this season for the Tigers, but Branaugh is hoping the experienced they have gained throughout the season will pay some dividends during the state tournament.
“This team has been improving all season. We have a good group of girls who want to improve every day,” she said. “They are starting to learn some strategy and play with confidence.”
Members of the Huron High School tennis team who will be playing in the Class “AA” State meet, beginning today in Brandon Valley, include from left: Megan Clark, Madelynn Lord, Jaycee Clark, Audrey Rubish and Abby Thomas. Not pictured are Kayla Harvey and Alice Pisacane.
Photo by Mike Carroll/Plainsman