Wildcats Team Tennis Coach Tony Martinez was pleased that his Wildcats had a competitive match against a strong Lindale team at the Wildcat Tennis Center Tuesday (September 3). The Eagles won 12-7. Coach Martinez was happy with the players who picked up wins but he was also pleased with several Wildcats who lost but had highly competitive matches. The match featured the Eagles’ strong girls lineup against the Wildcats senior-laden boys bunch. The Wildcats had to play without their #1 girls player, Jeauxleigh Cantu, who is injured. Coach Martinez pressed two freshmen girls into action, Tryniti Luckett and Kaylee Schumacher. Paige Miesse managed to win her girls’ singles match. Coach Martinez said Harleigh Stiegent also battled and sophomore Emily Dick gained valuable experience. The Wildcats boys captured the #1 and #2 boys doubles and four singles matches. Jonah Kirkpatrick teamed with Carlos Lopez to win their match as did the steady doubles pair of Aaron Lucas and Logan Schumacher. Coach Martinez also liked the grit displayed by the doubles team of Waylon Matlock and Alex Romero. Coach Martinez said the competitiveness of the matches shows improvement. Senior Jordan Gonzales also won his singles match. Just like against Pleasant Grove, Gonzales played in front of an audience of both teams as the last match of the night. The Wildcats, now 0-1 in district play, have a big district match at Greenville next Tuesday. Coach Martinez said the Lions have their third head coach in two years. Still he expects the two teams to be battling for a playoff spot next week.
