Experienced lineup returns for Penn Hills tennis team

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 23, 2018 | 10:36 PM

After going winless last season, the Penn Hills girls tennis program looks to play the spoiler role with a majority of players returning this season.

The Indians, who practice and play at Boyce Park, only lost one starter from last season. Christina Marra competed at first singles a year ago.

This season, Penn Hills will be led by senior Jena Wilkes and a trio of juniors — Sabrice Turner-Johnson, Makayla McClendon and Nicole Caldwell.

“They are very enthusiastic and great kids. I really enjoy coaching them. I’ve coached for a while, and it’s great to coach girls that have enthusiasm,” coach Jack Kowalski said.

Marra was the lone Penn Hills representative in the Section 3-3A tournament last season. Marra lost to Baldwin’s Nadine Khalil, 10-0, in the opening round.

In the section doubles tournament, Marra paired with Turner-Johnson and lost to Fox Chapel’s Molly Wiese and Kristen Friday, 10-0, in the opening round.

Caldwell and Wilkes also represented the Indians in the doubles tournament. The duo lost to Allderdice’s Chloe Ruben and Emily Jeong, 10-5, in the preliminary round.

With the starting lineup not set in stone, Kowalski is eager to see how seniors Ayanna Mallory and Skye Roche, as well as freshmen Mia McGill and Symphony Coto can contribute to the team.

“They are improving, especially the girls that haven’t played tennis before. In the last two weeks, they have improved 100 percent,” Kowalski said.

“It makes me feel great that they’re learning how to play a sport that you can play the rest of your life, just like how I’ve played for a long time.”

In Section 3-3A, the Indians compete against top teams such as Shady Side Academy and Fox Chapel, who have more tennis playing experience.

However, Kowalski has stressed to his team to always find a teachable moment when competing against the top teams.

“I tell them to do the best they can, and you always learn something when playing someone that’s better than you. I love playing somebody that’s better than me. It really helps my game,” Kowalski said.

“When you don’t play someone that’s as good as you, you lose some of your potential with hitting. You hit and react more when the ball is coming at you at 100 miles an hour rather than 50.”

The Indians will face Fox Chapel on Aug. 29 and Shady Side Academy on Sept. 17.

The rest of Section 3-3A includes Oakland Catholic, Baldwin, Allderdice, Bethel Park, Plum, Thomas Jefferson and Woodland Hills.

With the mix of returning players with more experience and athletic first-year players, Kowalski believes the Indians can open some eyes against the rest of the section.

“We’re going to be spoilers for a lot of teams in our section. Some teams in our section are tough to beat, but there are some other teams that we could really do some good against them,” Kowalski said.

Kowalski wants to make sure his team continues to develop throughout the year and to develop a passion for a game he’s played for many years.

“Everyone is learning something. Even if you don’t go to states, you’re always playing your game and playing a competitive game rather than it being a backyard match. Playing in competitive matches are better for your enthusiasm and well being,” Kowalski said.

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

Tags: Penn Hills