The Mount Mercy Tennis Team's season did not exactly go as the coach and team had hoped, but there were plenty of positives that occurred this season.  Anticipation was high with a new coach and some key returning players, but the inclement spring weather dampened expectations.

            " One of our goals was to end with a league record of 3-6, however we did not. In my opinion, much of this was weather-related. Due to poor conditions, we were not able to get outside to practice until April and even then on both occasions it was very cold and snowing," Coach Jill Whalen commented. "However, another goal was for the team members to enjoy themselves and develop a love of the game. I believe we accomplished this goal."

                One of the highlights of the season for Whalen was that her team always displayed sportsmanship and played with integrity and grace. She felt that there were opponents who lacked this and that the Magic always showed class, followed the rules, and were welcoming to other teams.

                Sophomore Madelyn DiGiore (Lakeview) and senior Sophie Robinson (Buffalo) both finished with the top individual records this season.  Along with senior Paige Siebold (West Seneca) these three players were the team's captains and demonstrated excellent leadership throughout the season.  Siebold and Robinson, who played doubles together for the past few years willingly played singles when the team needed them, demonstrating that they are the epitome of team players.

                Sophomore Emily Howard (Buffalo) and seniors Kayleigh Mighells (Lackawanna) and Kate Marabella (Cheektowaga) always gave their all and embraced a sport that was new to them, improving throughout the season.

Whalen noted that the four seniors would be greatly missed.  She stated that Marabella and Mighells were very positive players and their skills grew tremendously from start to the end of the season.  Robinson and Siebold were both four year members of the team and their dedication to the team and the sport never went unnoticed. "These two ladies showed me and the entire team what it means to be a flexible player who possesses a true love of the game despite individual match outcomes," Whalen remarked.

DiGiore, the team's first singles player for the past two seasons will return to the team for the third year next spring and Whalen is excited to see her progress after ten months of off season practice.