This weekend saw three of our Loughborough’s tennis girls head to Leeds Metropolitan University to compete in one of the many LTA university tour dates this academic year. Imogen Harry, one of the 2nd team players, reports for Label Sport.
Julie Blackwood, Laura Feely and I took the long drive north for a weekend which produced many highs and lows.
Personally, I was out of luck with a tough draw of some talented players that got the best of me. However, Julie, who lost in the first round of the main draw, picked herself up and made it to the final of the consolation draw. She faced Jayne Oswald Durham University; the match produced some great tennis from Julie, who came away with a 6-3 6-2 victory, making Julie the consolation draw winner.
Laura Feely was Loughborough’s star of the weekend, making it to the final of the main draw, taking out the first seed on her way in the semi-final with an impressive 6-4 6-2 win. Spirits were high when we arrived at finals day and Laura was on top form. The final was against a very strong Durham player, Isabella Hearnshaw – the second seed of the tournament.
Being very attacking players, they both found it tough. Laura gave it her all and fought for every point, but unfortunately Hearnshaw proved that little bit too strong and she came away from the match as runner-up.
When asked how she thought this weekend went, Laura replied, “It has been a fun weekend of great tennis and good laughs; having the girls’ support was a great attribute and made me even more determined to do well”.
Coming away as a team was enjoyable for all the girls and we are looking at other potential tournaments that we can enter together.
No matter what the results this weekend, all match practice is great practice and hopefully the experiences this weekend will be beneficial for our forthcoming BUCS matches.
The girls’ next BUCS league match is this Wednesday away against Oxford University 1sts, let’s keep the winning streak up, team!
Good luck girls!
Imogen Harry
