2021 Girls Tennis Recap

The girls tennis season got off to an uncertain start, as former head coach Daniel Schreier stepped down to become South's new Athletic Director. To replace him, a coaching search was conducted, but with no qualified candidates applying, it appeared likely the girls tennis team wouldn't have a tennis coach in time for the season. Luckily, assistant coach Lee Woyahn was able to step in and become the team's interim head coach before the start of the season.

South started off the season strong with a 4-3 win against Union Grove. That Saturday, the team placed 3rd at the Washington County Invite. Later in the season, South defeated both Waukesha North and West by scores of 7-0 and 5-2 in their respective duels. South finished the season going 5-10 in duels. Singles 3, Lipika Veluri had the highest win record in duels, losing only to Arrowhead and Mukwonago.

At the conference tournament on September 24, the team put up a good fight. South ended up with 7 points, coming in 7th place coincidentally. Lipika Veluri was once again the best finisher, placing 2nd in her flight after getting revenge against Mukwonago.

Right after Homecoming weekend, the girls went to sub-sectionals. Singles 2 and 3 and doubles 2 made it to a second match. 2 singles, Lindsay Juno, and 3 singles, Lipika Veluri, lost their second matches to Wauwatosa West and Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA), respectively.

However, in doubles 2, Jacknetson Naw and Michelle Arellano were defeated Hamilton, sending them to sectionals two days later.  At sectionals, they competed in a bracket with Arrowhead, Kettle Moraine, and DSHA, who as they described were "formidable opponents." They lost both of their matches to Kettle Moraine and DSHA.

With a majority of the team being seniors and only one freshman, the girls tennis team has an uncertain future, and the team will look to build its roster in the off-season. On joining the team, Jackneton Naw said: "It's natural to feel scared when joining a new team. When I first joined the tennis team, I came in with a wooden racquet handle. I had no idea how to hold a racquet, how to serve, or how to hit a tennis ball. Was it embarrassing that I didn't know how to do these things? Yes, but you learn how to stop worrying about what others think and prioritize becoming better. No matter your skill level, the team is pretty welcoming and it was a fun experience for me."