Tennis’ Start to Season

Madison Akins, Sports Editor

The men’s tennis team only won one Singles Match in their opening weekend against St. John’s. Senior, Graham Ball was the sole winner with the scores of 6-2 and 6-3. The team also did not have any luck in doubles versus St. John’s.

Last year the team went 11-11 for their season, and 4-2 in conference.

This past weekend the team competed in the International Tennis Federation Futures Tournament in Palm Coast. Ball also found success on both Saturday and Sunday, making him the only player to compete on Monday. Ball ended up retiring due to injury before the semifinal began.

Reflecting on the weekend, Ball explains, “I think the biggest lesson or takeaway from this weekend is that our results are a reflection of not just the hours we put in at practice, but the quality of our work.” Balls work effort reaped rewards this past weekend, something that he hopes as a captain that he can model for his teammates. “Every time I walk on the tennis court, I feel privileged to be in the position I am. I feel that because of the jersey I wear and the opportunities that come with playing for Stetson, I have to give my best everyday at the bare minimum,” says Ball.

If the rest of the team adopts Ball’s mentality then they have a chance at their goal of winning the A-Sun Championship. Ball understands that in order to reach this goal the team needs “to continue to develop our unique chemistry so that we can continue to hold each other accountable to give our best on and off the court.”