The Fayetteville-Manlius girls tennis team won its seventh straight match of the season, 6-1, over host West Genesee on Tuesday.
While the Hornets are on track for another undefeated season, they will face a big obstacle when they head to Baldwinsville. According to Fayetteville-Manlius coach Phil Rudolph, the Bees “played us very tough earlier in the season at our place.” F-M won the match 6-1.
>> Girls tennis standings and scoreboard
We asked Rudolph to reflect on the season so far.
Q. What has worked well for the Hornets this season?
What has worked well for us this year, and we like to think most years, is team depth. We have very good players not just through the starting lineup but beyond that as well.
The other thing I would mention is that the team has very good chemistry. They are all supportive of each other and just like to be around together. The positive social environment just puts everyone in a more positive mindset, makes the experience enjoyable, and takes pressure off, which in tennis actually usually leads to players’ development and being able to stay poised on the court. I think our players just stay calm and steady through the ups and downs of tennis matches at least in part because they feel comfortable and know their teammates are with them no matter what the outcome.
The one other thing I would mention is experience and senior leadership. We have many seniors who have been on the team for a while and know how to deal with things.
>> Fayetteville-Manlius roster
Q. Which players have had successful seasons so far and why?
The one player who has obviously stood out is Anna Manta. She has been in our starting lineup since she was in 7th grade and has always played at a very high level. She also improves each year and in this her senior year. Her performance is just off the charts. Today, for instance, I just stood in amazement at the balls she ran down and the incredible shots she came up with again and again.
I do think it has helped Anna that she practices with very good players in our practices each day. It also helps that she is so ingrained in the social atmosphere of the team. She is friends with everyone, is a great leader and, in turn, enjoys the support of her teammates.
Obviously, several other players have been doing well for us, but it is hard to single them out.
Q. You’ve been coaching a long time. What do you consider the best part of coaching?
I consider the best part of coaching the relationships. This of course starts with the players as well as their families. I have been very fortunate to have players with such wonderful attitudes and their parents and other family members have been just so positive and supportive. Working with and getting to know all of them has been a blessing.
I have also very much enjoyed the relationships with other coaches. Many of the coaches of opposing teams have been around for a long time and we get along very well.
I would also mention that our JV coach, Jon Fox, is a good friend, so it has been a pleasure problem-solving with him during the season as well as running our offseason programs together.
The last thing I would add is that being around the energy of high school-age student-athletes is enriching and maybe keeps you young.
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