Pirates tennis seeking 'challenge'

Polson boys, girls tennis coach Bob Hislop admits he’s concerned about both of his teams’ ability to handle their competition on their schedule.

Hislop said he felt “it’s been too easy” for both of his respective teams.

The Lady Pirates defeated Stevensville 7-0 and the boys team defeated them 5-2.

“It has really not been that competitive and that is probably the biggest deal on the girls side,” Hislop said. “It wasn’t as competitive as we would like it to be. We just played consistent and finished at the net when we had to against Stevensville.”

Hislop admits he is “concerned.”

“I am worried about late in the season because we haven’t really had any tough opponents,” Hislop said. “There aren’t many teams that have as good of depth as we do. There will be tough matches ahead for both the girls and the boys.”

Hislop said he is “pleased” that his team remains confident but because of the lack of competition, the Pirates and Lady Pirates have amplified the intensity of his team’s practice.

“We have really ramped up the conditioning in practice matches,” Hislop said. “We did that with the varsity kids earlier this year with the rain. We’ve tried to practice two hour sessions. There is a lot more mental work and focus. We just have to get through the nervous patches.”

Hislop has amplified the level of intensity for his No. 1 player Cassie Carlyle.

“Cassie hasn’t lost a set this year and those kinds of things aren’t going to last forever,” Hislop said. “We have put them through awfully tough practices with the adults and the bottom of the varsity boys playing the girls.”

The Pirates and Lady Pirates haven’t had as much opportunity to practice because of unfavorable weather conditions.

“We haven’t played as many people and haven’t had as much ability to work on our game,” Hislop said. “I want the girls to keep 12, 14, 15 shots before you take a chance on hitting a winner.”

Hislop said he felt his team will remain confident headed into Divisionals.

“Winning breeds winning and when they win, a lot they gain a lot of confidence and that helps when you go to state,” Hislop said. “When you are winning, you know you belong there whether you wonder or not if you should.”