October 22, 2014

Lewis Utilized Experience, Solid Groundstrokes, To Book a Spot in State Final for PHS Girls’ Tennis

FINAL APPROACH: Princeton High girls’ tennis star Rory Lewis follows through on a forehand in recent action. Last Friday, senior Lewis prevailed at third singles against Northern Highlands to clinch a 3-2 win for PHS and book the squad a spot in the NJSIAA Group 3 team state finals. The Little Tigers ended up falling to Millburn 4-1 in the championship match.(Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

FINAL APPROACH: Princeton High girls’ tennis star Rory Lewis follows through on a forehand in recent action. Last Friday, senior Lewis prevailed at third singles against Northern Highlands to clinch a 3-2 win for PHS and book the squad a spot in the NJSIAA Group 3 team state finals. The Little Tigers ended up falling to Millburn 4-1 in the championship match. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

As Princeton High girls’ tennis star Rory Lewis headed into the latter stages of the second set against Charlotte Hagan of Northern Highlands last Friday in the NJSIAA Group 3 team semifinals, a crowd gathered around court 13 at Mercer County Park to witness the showdown.

The teams were knotted at 2-2 and a spot in the state finals depended on the outcome of the third singles match.

While senior Lewis sensed what was drawing the onlookers, she didn’t dwell on the situation.

“I had an inkling, I suppose; I thought that’s what was happening,” said Lewis. “I didn’t want to psyche myself out so I pushed it out of my mind.”

Instead, she proceeded to push Hagan around on the court, posting a 6-3, 6-1 win to book PHS’s spot in the finals and earn the hugs of her teammates.

In defeating Hagan, Lewis kept the focus on her strokes and tactics. “My backhand has gotten a lot better, I worked on it a lot yesterday,” said Lewis.

“She was a very tough opponent. I had to stay in my head and not let up because she was fighting me. I think experience also helped a lot.”

It also helped Lewis to have her teammates cheering her on. “It is really nice, you feel the support,” said Lewis. “It is great, they are cheering you on no matter what, that is really nice. It is a good feeling.”

There is a great feeling around the PHS squad. “We are a small team so we know each other really well and we all support each other,” said Lewis. “We don’t push against each other; we all want to get better together.”

Although PHS ended up falling 4-1 to Millburn later Friday in the state final, making it that far was special for Lewis.

“It is very, very nice; we have done it all three years since I have been on varsity,” said Lewis.

“It means a lot, you want to go out with a bang. We have had a good season so far so I am getting my wish.”