Kennedy High School’s Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity wrap up their fall season. Both groups have two playing seasons including fall and spring. Varsity’s most recent game ended with Kennedy defeated by City High 5-2 in substrate regional matches. The Cougars are led by coaches Ethan Divis along with Rebecca Kolarczyk who coaches JV.
“I really think we can take a huge step forward for next season,” Ethan Divis said. “This year we had a lot of inexperienced players playing varsity for the first time.”
The JV teams are split into two separate groups due to skill and amount of members. JV1 ended the season 3-5, with a few close losses, matches won and lost were 32-40. JV2 went 5-0 on the season with the total matches won and lost being 34-11. The teams combined overall record would be 8-5, with 66-51 matches won and lost.
“Every girl on our team demonstrated great mental toughness in matches,” JV coach Rebecca Kolarczyk said.“I try to encourage my athletes to have a “point by point” mentality, where they are only focusing on the current point rather than any past points.”
Players who contributed to our JV1 meets were Charity Odour, Sophie Johansen, Aunika Hebert, Leighton Presley, Eva Larsen and Elle Dozier. Players who contributed to both JV1 and JV2 meets were Molly Schultz, Audrey Tryon, Oliva Westercamp, Charlene Susmerano, Jenna Gibson and Mirabelle Sackfield. Players who contributed to JV2 meets were Destiny Blegen, Ann James and Caylee Owens.
Senior varsity member, Caitilyn Ruggeri, has been a key player for the Cougars over the last three years.She has helped the team along the way with points, teamwork and leadership.
“Ruggeri has set an example for us the past three seasons, and has been wonderful to coach,” Divis said.
Tennis teams competition seasons start back up in spring including JV 1, 2 and Varsity.The team hopes to better their stats as well as their overall record.
