OxfordPress.com

The Talawanda girls tennis team is cashing in on their move to the Fort Ancient Valley Conference this year.

Four games into the season, the Braves have served up a 3-1 record with wins over such area opponents as Badin and Eaton. Their only loss came at the hands of Hamilton last week. Head coach Pete Thomas was somewhat shocked by Talawanda's electrifying start.

"Last year in the (Mid-Miami League), the top three teams were always going to be the top three teams," Thomas said. "Now we're going to compete every time we play (in the FAVC)."

Comprised of three seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and a freshman, Thomas likes the mix of players on the team. The Braves are anchored by underclassmen Stephanie McCabe and Kelly Harp as well as senior Ashley Manley. All three play in singles matches.

McCabe, who is penciled in at the first position for singles play, was 4-0 in matches as of last Wednesday. Thomas listed McCabe, who is a freshman, as one of the budding team's strengths. With the young players emerging as significant contributors, the coach explained the Braves could make a run in the FAVC Tournament Sept. 27.

"Going into the season I wasn't even looking at winning the league, thinking it was a rebuilding year," said Thomas, whose team was comprised of all seniors last year. "But with the way we've started, there's no reason why we can't compete for a league title this year."

The team's three seniors are

helping to fuel the drive for an FAVC title. Thomas said Manley as well as Selene Carey and Catlin Carlin are setting the tone with their leadership.

"Like I said before, I thought it was a rebuilding year, but the seniors didn't feel like it was," Thomas said. "They want to win."

With the season ending in the first week of October, Thomas knows there is not a lot of time to prepare for all of the matches. In spite of the restraints, he explained the team is progressing on schedule.

"It's a quick season," he said. "... But this point we're ready, and we're looking better and better every match."