The girls tennis team is well into their season and staying optimistic as they take on tough competition and deal with a young team.

With an August 18 start, many of the team’s first matches took place before students were back in school.

“[We are] halfway done with our season before the school year even starts,” said senior co-captain Melinda Laudon.

The tennis team is not only dealing with a short season, but also dealing with how ‘new’ many of the players are to the game of tennis.

“We are a very young team,” said Laudon. “We spend a lot of time helping the new girls perfecting their skills.”

With only five returning varsity players, including three seniors, the roster does seem to lack upperclassmen. On the varsity team, six of the starting 11 players are new this year, and three of the singles players are freshmen. The team is also dealing with two new coaches.

“This is a rebuilding year for us,” said Laudon.

The tennis team’s season opening tournament, August 18, was a match-up between Onalaska Luther and Mondovi. The Tigers ended up falling to both teams 0-6 and 3-4, respectively.

August 27 marked their first home match against the Tomah Timberwolves. The team fought hard, but came out winless, 0-6.

After a cancelled match on August 31 with Altoona due to bad weather, the girls once again faced Mondovi on September 3 at home. The Buffalos sank the Tigers with a 1-6 loss.

On September 7 the girls traveled to Viroqua searching for a win against the Blackhawks. They came home empty-handed with a 3-4 defeat. A match-up at Mauston on September 9 ended with the Tigers earning their first team win, 4-3.

The girls tennis team is looking to add to their 1-5 record as they head into the tail of their season and continue to stay optimistic.

“We are really doing well for how young we are,” said Laudon.