The start of another academic year at Riverside Brookfield High School marks the return of the many sports and activities offered through the school. One of the many well known team activities offered at RB is the Girls Tennis program. Strong in numbers, as well as skill, this roster boasts a talented group of thirty-four girls coached by Physics teacher Sam Weiss.

With twenty girls on Varsity and fourteen girls on Junior Varsity, they began their preparation for the 2021 season with anticipation in August during the final weeks of summer vacation. Over the span of a few months the team would face off against a myriad of schools, gaining both experience and victories. By the end of the season, the girls would finish with a team record of 8-3, as well as some varying personal records based on their performances in matches.

Paige Beggs, a senior on Varsity, played well this season alongside her doubles partner McKenna Bryant. Together the duo ended the season with a record of 9-2. Paige was content with the performance she gave for her last year in RB’s tennis program. 

“My senior season has been stressful and fun at the same time,” Beggs says, “Invites and tie-breakers are definitely nerve-racking, even as a senior; however, regular matches are still really enjoyable for me.”

Another Senior on Varsity this year, Bridget Bowen, has made the most of her final season here at RB.

“This season was very different for me compared to previous years. With it being my last year, I spent less time focusing on the stressful parts of playing, and more on just having fun and enjoying it,” Bowen said.

Bowen, paired with her doubles partner Madison Lester, had a fair share of both victories and defeats. One of her defining moments this season took place at the Bolingbrook Girls Tennis Invite. Here, Bowen and her doubles partner were two of the six girls representing the RB Varsity Girls Tennis team. All six of the girls played vigorously in their matches, while still enjoying themselves at the same time. They would come to find their hard work was well worth it. With a competitive spirit inside each of them, they became the champions of the invite, winning the first place title. 

While the Bolingbrook Invite only showcased the Varsity girls, the JV had a major accomplishment of their own at the East Aurora Invite, where they too would come to claim first place for themselves. 

Coach Weiss was very proud of these girls and their playing this season saying, “The team performed well and is getting better with every competition. We have a lot of young talent and I am excited to see where the future goes.”

With players improving with each new season, the RB Girls Tennis team is sure to see an increase in skill and victories.