Tennis players are not strangers to extreme temperatures. But usually by this time in September, you may need to bring along a light sweater or windbreaker while you sit outside cheering on your favorite high school team. That was not the case last night. It was another evening of unseasonably intense heat and humidity as the Highland Girls Tennis Team, from Medina, rolled into Jackson Township. The Hornets came in blazing and defeated the Jackson Polar Bears Girls Tennis team on Wednesday 3-2.
Photo by Brooke H.
I have been to a lot of high school sporting events over the years. Tonight, was my first time attending a high school tennis match. The one thing that immediately stood out during both singles and doubles matches was the genuine positive sportsmanship of the Polar Bears and the Hornets. It was impressive to watch the encouragement between teammates. But it was even more magnificent to see how both teams treated each other with respect, an attaboy, or “That was an amazing shot!”. Of course, still wanting their own team to win. Both teams were highly competitive. And they still chose to appreciate and express to each other – literally during the heat of the match – pun intended – their respect for each other’s talent. Excellent Job, Ladies!
One of Jackson’s highlights though from last night was Freshman tennis standout, Ashley Helle. Ashley continues to look like a seasoned pro as she defeated the Hornets, Claire Schlak, 7-5 and 6-1. During the match, you can see Helle’s competitive nature as she would continue to make the perfect lob, setting up her opponent, only to return the ball with quick footwork and a strong forehand to win a point.
“Always working hard at your sport and never doubting yourself,” Helle said about what she believes makes a great athlete. You can see her confidence on and off the court. As you watch her play, you can see the passion she has and how all her hard work is definitely paying off.
We know Helle was coming off of a huge win from several weeks ago against the Hoover Vikings. “Playing our rivals, who are ranked number one in the state at the moment, and beating Bridget Fink at second singles has been my favorite sports moment so far this year.” Ashley also shared that she has been playing tennis since she was six years old.
Another highlight was Jackson Sophomore, Alessandra Mccann, who was bringing the heat as she defeated her opponent, Lily Hantz, 7-5 and 6-0.
The Jackson’s Girls Tennis Team will have their next match September 11th, against Perry High School in Massillon. Let’s Go Bears!
HIGHLAND 3, JACKSON 2
Singles: Haynes (H) d. All. McCann 0-6, 7-5, 6-4; Helle (J) d. Schlak 7-5, 6-1; Ale. McCann (J) d. Hantz 7-5, 6-0. Doubles: Boucher-Pawlak (H) d. Rawal-Nagajothi 7-6 (4), 6-4; Gillin-Tople (H) d. Probhakason-Kargel 7-5, 4-6, 6-1. Records: Highland 10-1.
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