With a record of 5-7, the Lady Rams tennis team finished their season before heading to the county-wide tournament. During their season, the Lady Rams had blow out victories against both Gaithersburg HS and Northwood HS.

The team participated in the county tournament that began Oct. 21. “We would like all participants in the county tournament to make it to the semi-finals. Further if possible,” head coach Robert Stohlman said prior to the tournament.

Stohlman relied on captains and key players like No. 1 player junior Sharaya Dunwell, top player sophomore Sarah Wagner and most consistent winner senior Vicky Ganev to lead the team to victory.

In order to make sure his team was ready for counties, Stohlman found that by playing matches all the way up until the start of counties, players became more mentally prepared for the tournament. Players also got used to the format of matches so that they would be comfortable at counties. The team played Sherwood HS and Richard Montgomery HS, who were some of the toughest teams they had to play all season.

“We try to work on skills in practice that we noticed we need work on during matches. Hopefully that will better prepare us for counties,” Wagner said prior to the tournament.

“Three teams were able to get first round byes and Wagner made it to the quarterfinals of the county tournament where she had to play the county champion from last year,” Stohlman said.

To better improve the team for next year, “I would like to improve our conditioning and doubles play,” Stohlman said. This will enable the Lady Rams to build up the endurance they will need for matches.