After a delayed start, the tennis team began the season strongly.

The Varsity team travelled to Junction City to compete in their first quad. Along with the weather difficulties, the team was down a player. Senior Lauren Robben had the symptoms of the illness being spread at Manhattan High, and therefore could not participate. However, she returned for the next meet at Topeka High. The team placed first to start off the season with success.

“It was a really good way to start the season,” Robben said.

Along with the Topeka High meet, the tennis team travelled the same week at Seaman High School. They repeated their success by having each team member medal individually.

“Last year none of us would have medalled and we saw a lot of improvement this year,” Robben said.

Even though the team has started off successfully, they are still searching for ways to improve their game.

“We just need to be working on fundamentals and getting better in practice,” junior Neely Joyce said.

Off the court, the girls are extremely close. Due to the lack of seniors, Robben and Joyce initiate team bonding.

“Lauren [Robben] and I initiate a lot of things but then everyone does their part and follows through,” Joyce said.

The team enjoys having a younger generation, including the three freshmen that have bumped up to Varsity.

“It’s nice to have a younger generation and know that when I leave I can pass the torch to the underclassmen and know they’ll succeed next year,” Robben said.