Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Finishing Each Other’s Sentences PRAIRIE GROVE GIRLS DOUBLES TEAM JELLS IN FRIENDSHIP
PRAIRIE GROVE — The Tigers hosted a tennis meet for the first-time ever at the Prairie Grove tennis courts across the street from Battlefield Park Sept. 20.
Subiaco Academy was the opponent and there was plenty of competition, even matching Prairie Grove girls against Subiaco boys in both singles and doubles competition. Subiaco had more boys on their tennis team than girls so the coaches and players agreed to compete with Prairie Grove girls facing Subiaco boys in both singles and doubles competition. Prairie Grove coach Stephanie Mitchell said the competition will benefit her girls.
“Absolutely, I think them playing against boys is going to push them to work harder,” Mitchell said. “It’s a good challenge for them and they played very hard.”
Senior Mary Rush was enjoying cupcakes decorated with Tiger emblems provided by parents, who bought the treats from a local bakery for the event.
“I’m really excited to have a home match,” Rush said. “This is the first time we’ve ever had a home match here at Prairie Grove. I feel like its gone smoothly. Hopefully, we’d like to host more in the future.
Mitchell said the number of student/athletes coming out for tennis has swelled.
“We’ve doubled the size of the team this year,” Mitchell said.
Seventeen Tigers are competing and even more are talking about coming out next year as the popularity of the sport grows among the Prairie Grove student body.
“A lot of kids are interested in playing next year,” Mitchell said. “So, we’re super excited there’s so much interest in tennis. The kids want to get out and play.”
Mitchell has conducted evaluations with a purpose — to discover compatible players, who complement one another. This resulted in the pairing of junior Taylor Caudle with sophomore Grace Gauldin for doubles competition. Gauldin likes competing alongside Caudle. The pair has compiled a 2-1 record and are finishing one another’s sentences.
“Halfway through the season, Coach Mitchell was determining who works well together,” Gauldin said. “We’ve known each other for a long time.”
“We did a drill and we really liked it,” Caudle said.
Caudle hasn’t played tennis before, yet is taking advantage of an opportunity to learn tennis.
“It’s a lifelong sport, I’m going to play Caudle said.
Caudle was attempting to explain how the partners work hard to make up for a lack of experience.
“We may not be the best team on the court…” Caudle trailed off. “…but it is evident off the court,” Gauldin said, completing the statement. it forever,”