Bevans Hopes To Lead The Bruins To The Top
The Western Branch girls’ varsity tennis team consistently ranks among the top three in the Southeastern District. The 2006 season should be no different. According to Coach Mary-Beth Moore, one reason the Bruins perform so well is that there is a lot of competitiveness among the team members themselves as they jockey for various spots on the squad.
“These players are very diversified in their skill levels,” Moore explains. “On any given day, the positions could change. For instance, the ladies ranking seven through ten could easily break into the top six. That keeps everyone on their toes.”
Even though the Bruins’ district is very competitive, they have nonetheless managed to come out ahead. They often vie for the top spot with Hickory and Great Bridge. Last year, Western Branch finished with an 8-2 season.
One reason for the Bruins’ success is the tennis culture that has built up around the program. “Most of these young ladies play in the off-season,” explains Moore. “Some play in tennis clubs and take private lessons.”
Additionally, Moore provides strong guidance during the varsity season. She has them practice a range of skills and techniques during their structured practices. “Conditioning is a big part of tennis because it is such a physical game. We also focus on strokes and other techniques, but we don’t lose sight of the fact that we are out there to have fun.”
Moore hopes that Western Branch’s tennis program will instill in these young ladies the desire to make it a permanent part of their lives. “I definitely want them to love the game enough to continue with it. But it also teaches them other lessons that are valuable in life, such as being part of a team and understanding that everyone has a role.”
Senior Katie Bevans, 18, believes that one of the Bruins’ strengths this year lies in their ability to continually bring a strong level of play to the court. “Our consistency will help us remain a strong team this season,” she says. “Hitting the ball well is important, but if someone can’t do that consistently it does not matter.” Bevans is optimistic that her teammates will perform well this season.
Bevans also recognizes that tennis is as much a psychological game as it is a physical one. “I like to concentrate on the mental aspect of the game,” she says. Indeed, if the Bruins can bolster their command of the techniques by employing smart strategy, they will achieve both individual and team success this season.
Keenan Corrigan, a sixteen-year-old junior, is one of Western Branch’s quicker tennis players. She can resist fatigue in what can sometimes be lengthy matches, an ability that gives her a distinct edge over the competition. But Corrigan still believes that there are several areas in which she can improve. “I work on net play in practice,” she explains. “That’s an important part of the game, especially when I’m playing doubles.”
According to Corrigan, the Bruins are well-schooled in the fundamentals of the game. “All of the girls on this team can hit the ball hard, keep up a good rally and score points when needed.” This, she believes, gives Western Branch a distinct advantage on the court. “I think that if we can improve our focus during matches, we’ll be even better.”
In addition to tennis, eighteen-year-old senior Christina Murphy has played softball. This other sport spilled over onto the tennis court; her best stroke is the backhand. Murphy brings to the team an attitude that contributes both to her individual and the team’s success. “I believe that when you make a mistake, you should get over it and learn from it,” she says. “That will make you perform better in the future.”
Murphy is encouraged by her teammates’ experience and unity. “Many of us have been together for three or four years,” she says, adding that the intimacy of the team allows them to work together more closely not only with one another, but with those under their charge as well. “Since the varsity often teaches the JV, our closeness will help us to be better role models and make the team just as strong when we have graduate
