The Warren Central girls tennis team has concluded their 2019 season with a loss to Lawrence North in the first round of sectionals.

“We fought hard, but in the end we couldn’t come out with the win,” junior Kelli Rivers said.

With a final record of 7-9, the girls set a new record with seven wins in a single season, which is the most amount of wins the team has in its history. Showing growth from their previous season record of 2-12, the girls have made strides of improvement and are proud of the results they have reached.

“I’m proud to see what my team accomplished this season,” Rivers said. “We fought hard and gave it our all, but in the end, we just weren’t able to come out with the win.”

Throughout their season, the ladies have been able to defeat strong opponents such as Lawrence Central, 4-1, Greenfield-Central, 3-2, and Pike, 3-2. Gaining confidence from these hard fought matches, the tennis team competed with Mount Vernon, before ultimately losing by a close score of 3-2.

“I think the work we have put in has really paid off,” senior captain Ashley Jarels said. “At first I didn’t feel like it was going to be worth it, but it was worth it. Everyone is playing better than ever and we are going to continue working hard.”

Head coach Andre Hines credits the hard work the ladies have put in for the success they have been able to reach this season. With daily practices starting in January and individual time with the coaches, the girls have been able to give Warren Central tennis their all both on and off the court.

“I think the talent, the will power, the effort and the drive is the reason we are successful,” Hines said. “The girls have put in a lot of work to have this record.”

Some top contributors to the team have been first doubles, first singles and third singles. Jarels and her partner senior Morgan Oconitrillo make up the first doubles team for the Warriors and finished their season 8-3. Junior Tia Hague and senior Alexis Moment represent the first and third singles, respectively.

The girls are excited for their next season and the improvement they see for the tennis program over the next few years.

“I’m excited to see what the future can bring Warren Central tennis,” Rivers said. “There’s a lot we can bring to the table.”