The Woflgals are the reigning champions for the Flora Invitational for the second year in a row, with an outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
This was the second year Flora was hosting this tournament. Five teams were competing for the overall title and also for the singles and doubles. The competition was Benton, Marion, Mattoon, and Robinson
Flora players arrived at the courts by 7:30 am for stretching and warmups. The day started chilly in the morning, then warmed up as the matches began. While Flora was stretching, the other teams arrived, which meant it was game time.
After warming up, all the teams lined up to hear who was going to play first. Singles were the first to play, with Jenny Powless, Elena Warren, and Mackenna Hackney representing Flora.
While the matches began, the rest of the teams sat on the benches in front of their courts to cheer on their teammates. During that time there was also a concession stand with fruit cups, hot dogs, and all different types of baked goods.
As the day went on and the temperature went up, the tennis courts picked up heat from the sun so it felt hotter than what it was.
Throughout the day, each team was battling the heat, their opponent, and the sport’s mental aspect. Qynlin Brown states, “All matches are challenging because tennis is always a very mental sport.”
After an hour or so of single matches, they started to put on some doubles teams. Still, it was long crucial hours of sweating and running. Some of the Flora players said Marion was their toughest competition but they still managed to get an easy win.
Near the end of the matches, Flora’s #2 doubles needed 7-0 in their last game to win, so they did. After what felt like an eternity of playing, the outcome was what they had planned for.
Around 5 pm, the matches ended. Flora won the tournament with the coaching from Daniel Pipelow and assistant coaches, Jerry Stringer and Chuck Buchanan.
Flora took home trophies for second place in #1 doubles and first place for all three of Flora’s singles including #2 doubles.
