Grapevine tennis advances seven to state tournament

The Grapevine tennis team had an excellent showing at last week’s regional tournament and appears to be in very good shape heading toward the state tournament in mid-May.

Coach Ryan Gillen said he optimistic about his players chances heading into the tournament and said that one player, in particular, got the team motivated at region.

“I felt like we as a team had a very good regional tournament,” Gillen said. “We took 16 to compete and seven will be representing Grapevine High School at the state tournament in College Station ... Reilly Cornell drew a bad draw, playing the number one seed (in the) first round. But she set the tone for all of our players with her heart and how she battled out there. Overall, I was pleased with our performance. Everybody did a nice job of staying in the moment.”

Gillen said that his feelings on whether or not his team met its expectations for the meet are mixed.

“As a coach, you are always striving for more and to do better, so I guess I would have to say no,” Gillen said. “I always want to get more kids out to the state tournament. Those that came up a little short, I take that personally and put that on me. But, those that are advancing deserve it and I am very proud of what they have accomplished so far. There are many coaches that would be thrilled with taking seven to state, and I am, but I always want more.”

Gillen said he had a number of strong performances at the meet, including Sam Wong’s effort.

“She played a brilliant match against the number one seed in the finals,” Gillen said. “She was focused and pulled out a thrilling three-set match. Raillane Kamdem and Bella Bergman played lights-out all tournament. They are really hitting their stride going into the state tournament. They beat a tough Lubbock High team in the semifinals and turned around and beat their teammates Madison and Reilly Cleff in the finals.

“That’s not easy to do, to play back-to-back matches at that high of a level. Miha and Tine Valencic were on point all tournament as well. They had a little bit of a hiccup in their semifinals match but bounced back and won in straight sets. And I felt as if they played an outstanding finals against a tough Abilene Cooper team. They were thrown together at the last minute because Miha has been injured all semester, so for them to play at the level that they did is really impressive.

Gillen added, “my mixed team of Calum Robe and Kali Hamilton fought until the end. There was a lot of pressure in the playback to see who advances to state. My kids came through in a hard-fought three-set match. We played a not-so-good first set, but bounced back ... . I was very proud of them.”

The state meet will take place May 16-17 in College Station.

This story was originally published April 26, 2016 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Grapevine tennis advances seven to state tournament."