The Tigers began the season with a 5-0 victory over Southern Buckeye Conference foe Batavia and in a non-league duel with Hillsboro’s Indians. The Red and Gray “did not lose a single set,” according to head coach Kent Charlton, concerning the Red and Gray’s 5-0 triumph.
“We have an experienced team. We have one senior and six juniors that I’ve coached three years. It’s good to see the fruits of my labor paying off.”
Charlton introduced his varsity line-up as junior first singles Clare Schaljo, junior second singles Mackenzie Rinehart, senior third singles Morgan Adams, junior first doubles Melissa McMullen and Hannah Wallace, and junior third doubles Sara Benjamin and Madisen White.
“Clare is a lot stronger this year. . .
“Mackenzie is the best hustler I’ve ever seen. At four-foot, nine she can get to every ball on the court. . .
“The first doubles is very strong, too. It is really a big factor that they have played together as a team for three years. . .
“Morgan played doubles before moving to third singles this year. She’s learned how to condition herself on every shot.”
Charlton expects his charges to be in a very tough season-long three-team battle for the Southern Buckeye Conference American Division championship racket to racket with Amelia’s Barons and Western Brown’s Broncos.
“I’m hoping to be very competitive in the league throughout the entire year,” he said, adding as other reasons their positiveness abut their improvement, “Madisen White is all-around consistent and Sarah Benjamin is a very strong net player this year.”
The head honcho of the Red and Gray is proud of his entire roster with the starters receiving good pressure for their positions from first year varsity players Lindsey Broach, a freshman, Chloe Henderson, a freshman, and Emilie Shouse, a freshman.