The T-Bird Ladies tennis team performed excellently in their match last Sunday, defeating the Bulldogs, 5-4, and securing their spot in the NWAC Championship.
Akshay Rabadia/THUNDERWORD
Highline’s Tennis Head Coach Laura Rosa praised her team, and not just about their athletic performance. “This match was a testament to everything we have stood for all year which is, ‘Who we are is why we win.’ I am incredibly proud of this team and who they have chosen to be all year in both defeat and victory,” said Rosa.
“We started strong in doubles, winning 2 of the 3 points. Notably, the score also doesn’t show how close the third doubles match was. We focused on having a more business-like approach to this match instead of letting our emotions run the day,” said Head Coach Rosa.
The Thunderbirds started off with singles, which were very competitive and were tied after 5 matches. Even though her opponent was a well-trained athlete at Bellevue College, Riley Cordova broke the tie with a score of 10-8.
“Every singles court was competitive and after 5 singles matches we were tied 4-4. The final court on was Riley Cordova at #2 singles. Riley and her opponent split sets forcing a tie break. The Bellevue opponent is a great player but let the pressure and her emotions get the best of her, while Riley managed to handle each point with clear focus and professionalism. Riley won the tie break with a score of 10-8 and absolutely represented the T-Birds with class and grace,’’ said Rosa.
Competing in the upcoming NWAC Championship is an honor for the team as they worked hard for it since last September.
“This has been a long tough season for the T-Birds, but everything we have done on and off the court since last September paid off,” said Rosa. “This year we have the ‘Perfect 6’. We need 6 women to complete a match, there are no subs, no extra players to fill in on a tough day. They all just continue to show up and compete every single day. I don’t think I have ever had a team so bonded and trusting of each other. They have absolutely stepped up to each challenge together and I have no doubt are building memories that will last forever.”
This week will be a big practice week for the team as they prepare for the NWAC Championships, which will be played in Wenatchee this weekend, May 13-14.