Rams Girls' Tennis Excited For Fresh Start In 2010
April 3, 2010 by Greg Lederer
Cheshire High School girls' tennis head coach Mike Rahn has a bittersweet attitude when it comes to the class of 2009. Eight players contributed to their school's first two Southern Connecticut Conference titles and the Rams twice reached the Class L Final. While losing their accomplishments, Rahn is excited for new look in 2010.
“I thought coming in we would be young and inexperienced. Looking at the girls so far, you could tell they put in a lot of work in the off-season. I'm thoroughly impressed,” said Rahn. “It's very fun. I'll miss the (graduated) seniors as people, but I'm excited for the challenge of putting together a new lineup with the girls I have now.”
All of the graduates, including four All-State honorees, started at one point during last year's 13-6 record. Five All-State players overall set a school-record. Captains Maggie Tooley and Hillary Dutton, along with Jamie Erickson, comprise a smaller senior group.
“They made being on the team a lot of fun,” reflected Dutton. “This year is easier for us to lead the team.”
“It's definitely different. I'm excited for it,” added Tooley.
The captains and junior Olivia Amato are returning starters. They represent a revamped singles unit this spring. The graduation of captains Sarah Griffin (University of Connecticut) and Paige Manacek, along with Rachel Figura (Plymouth State University-New Hampshire), vacated the top three positions. Turnover ends a family legacy at number one. Katie Griffin (2006 graduate) took the top spot for her final two seasons and then her sister, Sarah, followed for the last three years. Sarah was a four-year starter, earning All-State/All-Southern Connecticut Conference/All-Housatonic Division.
“I think it's a lot to live up to. The Griffins were amazing,” Tooley recalled. “It will be interesting and a challenge.”
Tooley earned the position through hard work. She didn't swim last fall, choosing instead to focus on her shift from doubles to singles. Tooley and graduated captain Morgan Hirt formed the number two team for two years. They reached their goal of securing All-State for the first time last spring.
“I think being, with someone like Morgan, really helped her,” said Rahn.
Tooley played some singles matches last year, but Rahn is seeing a different player in practice.
“I think Maggie will be strong at number one. She easily improved more than anyone else,” explained Rahn. “She always had good strokes. But, she is more confident and a smarter player. She used to keep a lot balls in play. Now, she is more aggressive about putting those away.”
Dutton similarly feels comfortable about her transition to singles. She cracked the lineup for the first time as a junior, teaming with 2009 graduate Laura Bunnell in the third position. Dutton has played individually before though.
“I'm just going to translate back to singles. I'll miss having a partner,” Dutton added.
Rahn sees Dutton and Amato playing between the second and third spot. Amato split the fourth position with 2009 graduate Molly Scannell. Like Amato last year, sophomore Katie Seggerman will step into the lineup at number four.
“I've always loved Hillary's personality. She always keeps the girls loose and having fun. When she gets in a match, she turns it up and finds a way to win,” reflected Rahn. “Olivia also improved. She had good strokes last year, but gave away some tight matches. I'm expecting her to win those this year.”
Cheshire has dominated doubles since Rahn took over in 2004, consistently sweeping teams each season. This spring offers another challenge, as he starts over from scratch. Graduates Carly Leventhal and Sam Helm started for three years, the last two coming at number one. The close friends twice compiled All-State/All-SCC, finishing as the 2008 State Open runner-up. They reached the semifinal round last year.
Rahn expects Erickson and junior Alyssa Carofano to join sophomores Theresa Fitzpatrick, Alex Hirt, Erica Larson, and Taylor Strange in the doubles mix. From there, the process is comparable to a jigsaw puzzle.
“It's a challenge. I have six girls and just have to find who fits better,” said Rahn. “I know a lot of them think they are better in singles, but want to do what is better for the team.”
Alex Hirt is Morgan's younger sister. Rahn and the captains have enjoyed watching Erickson's development in her final season.
“It's really good. She has been on the team since sophomore year and worked really hard,” explained Tooley.
Cheshire and Daniel Hand (April 14, May 19) share a top rivalry in recent years. They have met in all four SCC Finals. The Rams claimed the first two and then Hand completed the same feat. Cheshire (ninth seed) ended last season with a 4-3 loss to host East Lyme (eighth seed) in the Class L first round.
“They (Hand) are certainly returning a lot of players. I think we can give them a run,” said Rahn. “Every year, I want to get to the top of the SCC and make states. It will be interesting to see how we match up.”
Amity (April 22, May 17) is a former Housatonic rival. Fairfield Ludlowe and Staples bring top competition to Cheshire on April 28 and 29, respectively. The Rams are eager to display their new team on April 8, when they travel to Branford, at 3:30 p.m. Cheshire hosts Branford on May 13.
“We will take it as far as we can. Our goal is to take it one match at a time,” stated Dutton.