The Notre Dame tennis team is one of the most successful sports teams at NDA, and this year the team is shooting to make it back to state.

“This year the expectations are like they always are, which is to win our conference and qualify for state,” said varsity captain Grace Purcell.

The varsity team consists of seniors Kennedy Morgan, Emily Agen, Emma Del Frate; juniors Julia Slusarek, Grace Purcell, Bella Zent, Madeline Darling, Claire Edgar; sophomores Caragan Olles, Jacqueline Brady and freshmen Rachel Van Hefty and Allie Johnson.

“We have been doing really well as a team, and so far we are undefeated in conference,” said Purcell.

The varsity travels weekly to play in tournaments and matches close to home and as far as Eau Claire and Milwaukee to play all different levels of competition.

“Our toughest competition is definitely Homestead High School in Mequon, Wisconsin. They are this year’s standout team since they are number one in the state. We played them this past weekend, and it was a very tough match,” said Purcell.

This coming week, varsity will be playing against Pulaski and Southwest, since the previous match against Southwest were canceled due to rain.

“We are hoping to pull off wins against Pulaski and Southwest to close off the season with two wins and a conference title,” said Purcell.

Besides the varsity girls, the tennis team also consists of about fifteen junior varsity athletes.

The junior varsity team competes locally against all the teams in Notre Dame’s conference.

“With the season being so short, our plan was and still is to have fun with all the matches we play in and to do our best,” said JV captain Janine Moreno.

“I feel the whole team has been playing exceptionally well. Most people are on their game and are always determined to win,” said JV captain Eliza Stackhouse.

Overall, the Notre Dame tennis team has been playing exceptionally well this season and is striving to finish out the season strong.

“The tennis program is a great program, and tennis is a lifelong sport you can practice. We are a no-cut sport, so I think that sets us apart from other sports,” said Purcell.

“The tennis team’s progress has come a long way. Everyone gets along with everyone, and the skill levels are perfectly matched. We all can work together, and the upperclassmen have formed great bonds with the underclassmen,” said Stackhouse.

“I enjoy being on the tennis team because of my love for the sport and the camaraderie. It’s a fun environment to get outside after school with enjoyable people,” said Moreno.