Panthers Defeat the Lampasas

Badgers 13-6 in the District Opener

        The Panther Tennis Team opened up District play with a 13-6 victory over the Lampasas Badgers this Tuesday, September 20, 2005.  "I was very excited about the way that the players prepared for the district opener over the past week.  They put so much effort into getting ready for big matches," Coach Simonek. 

        The Panthers played tough doubles and opened up an early 5-2 lead after doubles match play.  Leading the way for the Pantherettes in Doubles was the tandem of Cat Luedtke and Amanda Alvarado.  "These two are really coming together as a doubles team and making great commitments to doubles play.  They have a great up-side and we look for great things from them this year," Coach Simonek.  Also, winning a huge match for the team was the mixed doubles tandem of Lindsey North and Mitch Guerra.  "This was the first time that North/Guerra played together and I was really pleased with the way that they played together," Coach Simonek.  Magaly Rivera/Lindsey Harrell and Freshman Frankie Allinson/Mitchell Myers both won huge three-set matches for the team.  Dustin Rochelle/Ross Natividad also contributed to the Panthers taking the early 5-2 lead.

        The Pantherettes continued their domination in singles match play, taking 5 out of 6 matches.  The Pantherettes were led by the play of Senior, Magaly Rivera.  "Magaly really stepped up and elevated her game tonight.  She went out to set the example of how to dictate play to the opponent," Coach Simonek.  Also winning matches for the Pantherettes were Colleen Myers, Amanda Alvarado, Elizabeth Allinson, Cat Luedtke, and Meredith Millard.

        The Panthers were also led by a fellow Senior, Ben McCarter.  "Ben has really stepped up and embraced the level of play at one singles.  I am very proud of the way that he has taking on that challenge this year," Coach Simonek.  Finishing out the match for the Panthers were Frankie Allinson, Ross Natividad, and Mitch Guerra.

        The Panthers have three matches next week.  The Panthers will play at Groesbeck next Tuesday, September 27, 2005.  Then on Saturday they will play a morning match in Ennis and at Corsicana in the afternoon.  "Next week will be a great opportunity for us to fine tune as we get ready to hit the final stretch of District and get prepared for Regionals," Coach SImonek.