With the busiest part of the semester in full swing for the ABAC Stallions and Fillies tennis team, the teams competed in two tournaments recently and sent two players to a national tournament.
September 28-30 brought the ITA Regional Tournament for ABAC, which gives players the opportunity to compete for a chance to go on the ITA Cup tournament in Rome, GA where they compete for a chance at national title alongside other top players from schools in other divisions.
It was a long, hot weekend, but the team “Showed guts and played with intensity,” according to Nick Rosatti, a former player who currently works with the team as an assistant coach. The weekend was an opportunity for the men’s team to experiment with different pairings on doubles and the team adjusted well to the changes.
The women’s team saw success in both singles and doubles, with Vasavi Ganesan Shanthi and Agustina Diaz winning doubles and Shanthi also taking home a win in singles. Both headed to Rome, GA for the ITA Cup tournament and played on Oct. 11 for their chance at a win.
The men’s team played in Milledgeville, GA on Oct. 5-6 in a tournament at Georgia College and State University, and played a series of six matches over the three-day tournament. According to Rosatti, “It was another hot weekend and our guys had to dig deep… It is a lot to ask from anyone.” He believes it was a good opportunity for the team to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. “Any team is only as good as their weakest link.”
The team struggled, and Rosatti says that the main concern for the team is prepared. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, and we need to think about more things ahead of time before it’s too late. Things like hydration, stretching, and school is some of the things we need to think about more.” He added, “We are not as concerned with wins or losses as much as we are with character. Instilling genuine work ethics is a big goal, but we need to work harder in this regard.” He says that minor problems shouldn’t be a detriment to the team.
At the ITA Tournament, Vasavi Shanthi and Agustina Diaz performed spectacularly in doubles, making it to the semi-finals. Shanthi did not make it past the first match in singles but had a chance at the champions title in consolation matches, which Shanthi won. “It was great to come out and play with other great tennis players like me,” was what Shanthi had to say about her time at nationals. Diaz said, “I am grateful to ABAC for this opportunity.”
The team tentatively plays in Pensacola in a tournament against University of West Florida Oct. 19-20.
