After three seasons of playing tennis together, seniors Keylee Schartz and Jackie Hsu teamed up in doubles in the first meet of the tennis season. Despite them both being nervous, they had a positive record going 2-1 and only losing to Lawrence Free State.

“It was our first time playing together,” Hsu said.

Hsu and Schartz progressively got better through the day considering the Free State match was their first one.

“We got into the groove,” Hsu said.

In the previous seasons, Schartz and Hsu were each a machine on their own. These two senior players will now team up for the first time, making Manhattan’s number one doubles team. 

“It was a big change for me,” Schartz said. “I was putting a lot of pressure on myself.” 

Despite the chills of the first match, these two played great. They got used to each other as the match went on, knowing that the more they build that bond, the better they will play.

“I think we progressively got better,” Schartz said. 

“Each match we got better,” Hsu said.

Head coach Ingram also notices the improvements between the two girls.

“That’s what you’re looking for as a coach, improvement as you go along,” Ingram said.

The team aims to create an environment that doesn’t harshly critique those who are beginners, nor the more experienced players. They want to make the players feel like they always have a place on the team.

The main idea is to focus on consistency and “have more opportunities to get better,” Ingram said.

With these two as the main duo for the Indians, they will next take on the two home meets they are holding Sept. 16 and 22.

Manhattan also plans to attend the Centennial League championships, which are going to be held Oct. 6 in Junction City.

These two players, dedicated to their craft, will stop at nothing to keep improving throughout this season.

“I love the sport of tennis, and I’m glad I have Jackie and all my senior friends,” Schartz said.