Head coach Chris Belknap admits he may not appear to be a tennis wiz, but the Fillies tennis team has made massive improvements under his coaching since practice began Aug. 9.
I think I shocked them a little bit with some of the knowledge that I had, which is always good, Belknap said. It helps with rapport, and things have been going really well.
The Fillies were coming off of a strong performance in Chanute, where they ended up in a tiebreaker with Chanute High for first place.
We have been working on a lot of serving and deep-line shots, Belknap said. Anytime we get back toward the baseline, we are just trying to get the girls to push the opponent back every time.
Thursday presented the Fillies a chance to display their talents at home for the only time all season. The Iola High Varsity Girls Tennis Tournament consisted of Iola, Independence and Columbus.
The Fillies No. 1 singles player, Carlie Payne, was coming off a 4-0 performance in Fort Scott. In Iola she went 1-1 with her win coming against Columbus, and loss at the hands of Independence. In No. 2 singles action, Miah Shelby finished the afternoon with a 2-0 performance, and Belknap is impressed with her volleying skills.
On the doubles side, the No. 1 doubles team of Gabby Richards and Allie Ultey, cruised past both Columbus and Independence. The twos communication and chemistry has been evident through the early stages of the season. Richards and Ultey also went 4-0 in their performance in Chanute, so are a perfect 8-0 on the season.
The No. 2 doubles team of Sidney Shelby and Allie Fager broke even with a loss against Independence and narrow victory over Columbus.
Iola ended up tying the three-team tournament with Independence, with both schools taking six matches a piece. Although the Fillies have made massive improvements in less than a month, Belknap is aware improvements still can be made.
We just have to make sure to not give up after that first serve, Belknap said. It is about getting that second serve, it doesnt matter if it is the fastest serve. After all, you win most of your matches on volleys.
