For a program that once won six straight Valley Championships, the girls tennis team at Stockdale High School always have their goals focused on the end of the season. But when it comes to their midseason form at the Lewis Cup, head coach Dave Hillestad says they haven't won since 2007.
Last week they finally ended their skid and took home the trophy thanks in part to the fight of senior Emily Horrigan. "She was really one of the main reasons why we won the whole entire tournament," said Hillestad. "That match kind of swung the momentum in our favor."
Emily won her first set against Liberty's Emma Cooke but dropped the second set and found herself fighting in a tiebreaker. She won the tiebreaker 12-10 behind strong ground strokes and accurate serves. But coach Hillestad says the strongest part of her game is her mental toughness.
"In all my coaching years there are special kids who can dig in and win matches and she is that girl," said Hillestad. Emily seeks out pressure filled matches and even thrives in them because of what she says sets her apart from other players.
"I've never been too emotional when I play like some people are," she said. "I can usually find a way to say, 'I'm in this match, I can still win it."
She's started the year 14-1 and is hoping to continue that success into the Valley Championship when it matters most.
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