Flames tennis teams gearing up for a new year with high hopes
Photo courtesy of Lee Flames
The men and women’s tennis teams are gearing up for another season this spring where they are expecting to make improvements in their technique and team work.
The men’s tennis team left off last year with a record of 10-9, as the Flames faced tough teams in the Gulf South Conference.
This year, the men are coming back motivated and strong with returning players such as sophomore Bruno Medeiros, whose season was interrupted last year.
Head Tennis Coach Patric Hynes said he knows Mederios is ready to be back on the court.
“Mederios had an interrupted fall…which impacted his game in the spring,” said Hynes. “He has been training very well since coming back from winter break; we expect him to have a good year.”
Photo courtesy of Lee Flames
Likewise, the women’s tennis team is fired up for the season as they finished off last season with an 8-9 record.
The team is led by three seniors. Spanish major Francesca Tondi has shown her skills not only on the court, but also in leadership.
“This is going to be our best season as a team and a big opportunity for me to play,” said Tondi. “It will impact me how it ends, but as a senior you get to a point where you’re more aware of what [your team] needs, so I need to be there for the girls as a leader.”
While both teams did well last season, Hynes is eager for the season to begin, as his teams have been showing up to practice motivated and ready to improve bit by bit every day.
“We just want continuous improvement,” said Hynes. “One percent better each day. If we can accomplish that, we will have a season both teams can be proud of.”
With a tough lineup of teams to face such as Valdosta State and Auburn Montgomery for the men and Mississippi College and Montevallo for the women, the teams are focused on working together in order to improve.
“This year we are going to be more solid as a team so that our performance will be better,” Tondi said.
Photo courtesy of Lee Flames
Both teams have clear goals in mind to improve this season and have the Flames well-represented in the Gulf South Conference Championship.
According to Hynes, he knows that his teams are capable of reaching extraordinary heights and are eager for the students to know that as well.
“We have two great teams with players that are fun to watch, and our home matches should be fun,” said Hynes. “So please come out and see us.”
For more information and news on the tennis teams, visit the Lee Flames website.
You can view the men's tennis team's schedule here and the women's tennis team's schedule here.
