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South Valley Riverton Journal

Tennis players use experience to earn victories

Oct 31, 2016 09:06AM ● By Greg James

The Herriman High School tennis team had a successful season, finishing second in Region 4. (Megan Quinn/Herriman tennis)

By Greg James | [email protected]



Herriman, Utah - The past three years the Herriman girls tennis team has gained valuable experience. The team has advanced and played a few times at the state tournament. Their involvement in post-season tournaments proved to be valuable contributions towards the success they had this year.

“These girls have become pretty mature,” said Mustang head girls tennis coach Linda Richmond. They have become used to playing at this level. Sometimes it can be pretty scary. It is interesting because it is probably the best we have ever done for our girls team. It is all because the girls have worked so hard.” ”

Senior Megan Quinn made the biggest splash at the state tournament. Her appearance in the No. 2 singles state championship was labeled a surprise by many of the state’s top coaches. 

Quinn qualified for state by placing second in Region 4. She cruised through the first round defeating Aashna Shah from West High School; 6-4, 6-2. She then knocked off two straight number one seeds, first Brooke Woodruff from Northridge 6-4,6-2, and then Emma Robb, from Brighton, 6-4, 7-5.

“[Quinn\ did such a great job this year,” Richmond said. “She has worked really hard and is totally dependable. She has put in the time. She played a lot outside of season. Her experience helped her play steady and not be scared. She was right in her zone during the state tournament.” 

Quinn lost in the championship to Davis High school’s Kenzie Turley; 6-0, 6-1.

Senior Courtney Davis entered the No. 1 singles state tournament with a season record of 10-2. She advanced into the round of 16 with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 victory over Brielle Larson, from Northridge. She then lost to Brighton’s Sarah Mietler 6-1, 6-2.

The Mustangs’ No. 3 singles player, sophomore Megan Swapp, played in her first-ever state tournament. 

“I think she was 75 percent better this season,” Richmond said of Swapp. “She spent a lot of time working in the offseason to get where she is now,” Richmond said. “Our top players were seniors this year. They have been working to get where they are since ninth grade. I think for them it is a great accomplishment.” Richmond said.

The Mustangs’ No, 1 doubles team of Paige Duckworth and Aly O’Rourke and their No. 2 doubles team of Madeline Walker  and Kaylee Jensen finished in fifth place in Region 4 and did not qualify for the state tournament. 

The state’s 5A girls tennis scene has been dominated in previous seasons by Davis and Lone Peak. This year was no different. The two teams have combined to win the last five state titles. This season they far out distanced the rest of the state. Davis scored 24 points and Lone Peak had 20; the third place team, Viewmont, scored 9.

The Mustangs team consisted of the following players: Liz Anderson, Ellen Bake, Melody Balazs, Jessie Bills, Caroline Carter, Jewel Cummings, Callie Davis, Courtney Davis, Paige Duckworth, Brooke Eatchell, Alysa Gribben, Maddi Hansen, Kaylee Jensen, Kylie Kirkham, Kennedy Mendenhall, Aly O’Rourke, Grace Packham, Senah Park, Megan Quinn, Sydney Reading, Brittany Richins, Tarryn Rowley, Bailey Sant, Hailee Smith, Megan Swapp, Maddie Walker, Emily Winegar and Lily Winder.

“We get great support from our student body and the school’s administration,” Richmond said. “Sometimes a tennis team will get a transfer or move in that helps them, but this team has stuck together, and it is great to see it all pay off for them.” .