With a roster that didn’t include one senior, the Hun School girls’ tennis team faced an uphill battle this fall.

But with its young players fighting hard and showing growth, the Raiders enjoyed an encouraging season as they went 6-7 in dual match play and placed fourth in the season-ending Mid-Atlantic Prep league (MAPL) tournament.

“I was very happy, each of the girls gave their all,” said longtime Hun head coach Joan Nuse.

“Even in the matches we lost, they fought to the end and that is all you can ask.”

Nuse was happy with the work she got from junior Steph Taylor at first singles, freshman Paige Braithwaite at second singles, and junior Rachel Heller at third singles.

“Steph had an unenviable position at first singles going against the best players, she worked hard and did her best,” said Nuse.

“Paige played second singles as a freshman and was fourth in the MAPL. Rachel played third singles and always gave her all.”

The pairs of sophomore Caroline Wilkinson and freshman Tali Prozementer at first doubles along with junior Olivia Hartman and sophomore Olivia Kotler at second doubles gave Hun a lift.

“I think they did a good job of coming together,” said Nuse, reflecting on her doubles teams.

“The Olivias definitely put in some effort. Caroline and Tali had some great matches. No matter what the situation, they gave their best effort. In their last match, they lost in a tiebreaker in the third set after winning the first set in a tiebreaker and losing the second in a tiebreaker. It was as close a match as you could have.”

With all seven varsity players slated to return, Nuse believes Hun has the chance to win a lot of matches next fall.

“When you have a situation where everyone could be back, there is potential for growth,” said Nuse.

“They should all be as good if not better than they were this year. We had one of our better seasons in recent years and we have a good opportunity to do even better next year.”