Ending the season with an 11–3 conference record, the Chapel Hill High School women’s tennis team finished in second place in the Big Eight 3A division, behind East Chapel Hill, whom the Lady Tigers will face in the playoffs on October 29.
“The team did really well this year, and I know everyone on the team played their best throughout the season,” Chapel Hill sophomore Sarah Xu said. “We had a couple matches that were tough and a few injuries, but we pulled through, and now we’re going to the semifinals.”
Tennis is mostly an individual sport, junior Gracianne Kmiec said, though Chapel Hill players were “always really supportive of each other on and off the court, and that’s what brought us a lot of success throughout the season.” She said that throughout the season, Chapel Hill experimented with doubles-team pairings “to see what fit.”
“Everyone had great chemistry on the court and was able to play and work with one another, which was a really valuable asset to our team,” Kmiec added.
Out of 11 No. 1 singles matches, senior Carolina Coch, the captain, lost only twice during the season, both times to East Chapel Hill’s Savannah Bright, who is undefeated.
“Savannah was definitely my toughest competition this season, and it’s always tough to play a friend,” Coch said. “She’s a smart player, and since I know her well, she knows my strengths and weaknesses.”
Coch will compete in the individual state championship. She said: “It’s been a good season for Chapel Hill. All the ladies have been working together really well. Since I am the only senior, there are lots of leadership roles up for grabs next season.”
