SCHS Girl’s Tennis Braves Hot Temperatures

South Central girl’s tennis team had a good showing at the Cimarron tournament Tuesday, playing well despite the brutally hot temperatures.

“These girls stepped onto the courts in the sweltering heat and competed with heart, grit and determination from the very first ball to the very last,” said head coach Stephanie Salisbury. “I could not be more proud of this team.”

Mia Napierala took first at No. 2 singles in her first singles action of her high school tennis career. She beat Cimarron 6-4, beat Garden City 6-3 and beat Ashland by medical default, leading 3-0 when the match stopped.

“Mia brought the heat with heavy serves, smart shot selection, excellent court awareness, and tremendous composure,” Salisbury said. “She played smart tennis and trusted her game.”

Fabiola Rivera took second at No. 1 singles, playing a tough match against Garden City and losing, but Salisbury praised Rivera for doing exactly what she was taught in practice to “reset, refocus and fight back.”

Rivera then beat Cimarron 6-4 and then won a tough match against Meade 6-4 to secure the second-place finish.

Hannahlee Hurd and Alieny Zarate played No. 2 doubles and saw their first varsity action.

“They battled their opponents, fought through long points, went to deuce multiple times, and won games in every match they played,” Salisbury said. “That kind of fight is exactly what we want to see from our players. They may be new to varsity competition, but they showed today that they belong on that court.”

Nevaeh Pankrat and Max Miller had to pull out due to injury but Salisbury said she was proud of the girls for stepping onto the court and giving it their all.