Panthers Defeat Goats

12-7 at Groesbeck

        The Panthers kicked off a week of Tennis this week by moving to (8-5) after a 12-7 victory over the Groesbeck Goats.  "This was a good match for us to start the week as we have Ennis and Corsicana on Saturday," Coach Simonek. 

        The Panthers started off with strong play in Doubles.  The Panthers took an early 6-1 lead after doubles match play.  "It was great to see the players come out and take the doubles matches like they did on the courts.  I was very pleased with the way that they played," Coach Simonek.  Leading th eway for the Panthers in doubles was the tandem of Ben McCarter/Chris Fernandez.  "These guys continue to improve and player better as a team each match.  With continued improvement they will be a huge part of our doubles line-up as we move deeper into our season," Coach Simonek.  Also winning big matches for the Panther Tennis Team were: Natividad/Rochelle, Colleen Myers/Elizabeth Allinson, Rivera/Harrell, Alvarado/Luedtke, and the mixed doubles tandem of Frankie Allinson/North.

        The Panthers split the singles matches with the Goats, taking six out of 12 matches played.  Frankie Allinson led the path for the Panthers.  "Frankie played a great match today.  He was moving the ball well and doing a great job of starting points on his opponents service game," Coach Simonek.  Others winning for the panthers were Ben McCarter, Chris Fernandez, and Mitch Guerra.

        Leading the way for the Pantherettes in singles were Colleen Myers and Cat Luedtke.  "Colleen played a great match in singles today.  She was serving very well and dictating play to her opponent on the court.  Colleen is really establishing herself in doubles and singles play this year.  Cat Luedtke is also stepping in and making great contributions as a Freshman this year.  She has become a major contributor to the team in practice and at matches," Coach Simonek.

        The Panthers play two big matches this Saturday against Ennis and Corsicana.  The Panthers will start against Ennis at 8:30 a.m. at the Lion Tennis Center.  The Panthers will then travel to Corsicana and take on the Corsicana Tigers that afternoon.  "These are two really big regional match-ups for us Saturday.  I know the players will go out and prepare with great focus and be ready for a high level of play this weekend," Coach Simonek.