Every time Grace Otte stepped on a tennis court for a match this spring, she knew she was going to have to play her best in order to get a win.
Otte played No. 1 singles for the Seymour Owls, and did a fine job of filling that position on and off the court, according to Coach Jan Fenton.
“She played a top position, and she helped her teammates know what to expect,” Fenton said.
For her efforts, Otte was named the Owls’ most valuable player, and was also named to the Hoosier Hills All-Conference first team. She posted a record of 2-1 in the Hoosier Hills Conference Tournament. Otte also received her third varsity award.
Other special honors went to Madison Pifer, Chloe Bryden, Kristina Griffin and Mallory Moore.
Pifer and Griffin played No. 1 doubles in the sectional. Pifer received the 110 percent award and Griffin was named most improved.
“(Pifer) was always moving her feet to get in position to anticipate shots,” Fenton said. “(Griffin) stepped up and worked on strategy. She worked on volleys and ground strokes.”
Bryden, who played singles, received the coaches award.
“She helped the team on and off the court,” Fenton said. “She always played hard. She never gave up during matches.”
Mallory Moore, a freshman who played No. 2 doubles, was the recipient of the mental attitude award.
“She was always encouraging her teammates and had a positive mindset on the courts,” Fenton said.
The Owls had a record of 9-10. Seymour lost 3-2 to Scottsburg in the championship match of the Seymour Sectional.
Fenton said the Owls faced a lot of tough opponents. She said she felt like the Owls stepped up and played hard against stronger teams.
She said the two matches that stand out was the 3-2 win over Brownstown Central during the season and the 3-2 loss to Scottsburg in the championship match of the sectional.
“We had a lot of team support in those matches,” she said.
Seniors on this team were Otte, Pifer, Bryden and Connie Li.
“The seniors were great leaders,” Fenton said. “They set good examples of leading in warmups. They did a good job of taking the younger players under their wings.”
The junior varsity posted a mark of 9-2.
Fenton encouraged the returning players to take lessons, attend camps and play in tournaments. She said open courts are every Thursday night at the high school courts and she encourages all the players attend.
The Seymour tennis camp will be July 9-12.
