Junior Carolyn Tsung hits the ball back into play during Thursday’s match. (Andrew Barren’22/Media editor)

Entering the week, the Columbus Academy tennis team knew it would be facing one of the toughest competitors in the state. On Wednesday, September 11, the Vikings traveled to Olentangy Liberty for an intense match. The Vikes fought ferociously but ultimately fell to the Patriots 2-3. 

Junior Carolyn Tsung kicked off the matches at first singles but was quickly overwhelmed with a 2-6, 2-6 loss. Meanwhile, freshman Emily Motta failed to overcome her opponent at second singles, losing 2-6, 4-6, while Sophia Sommer’21 was defeated in a close match of 6-3, 4-6, 11-13. Anxious to snag a win for the Vikes, Alex Graham’20 and Lauren Motta’21 conquered their opponents at first doubles with a 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 victory. Anna Chang’23 and Naomi Chen’23 finished the series of matches with a strong win, defeating the Patriots 6-1, 6-1. 

After the tough loss, our girls faced off against CSG on Thursday, September 12, steamrolling the Unicorns 5-0. Graham triumphed over her opponent 6-0, 6-3, with Lauren Motta not far behind at second singles, nabbing an easy 6-1, 6-1 win. Chang wrapped up the singles matches with a dominant 6-4, 6-1 victory, while Sydni Ratliff’21 and Sommer crushed their competitors 6-3, 6-2. Tsung and Chen brought it home at second doubles, finishing their match with a 6-1, 6-0 victory. 

The Vikes have a long week ahead, with three matches against top teams. Our girls will travel to Olentangy on Monday, September 16, before taking on Whitehall away on Tuesday, September 17. The Vikings then close out the week with an intense match against Buckeye Valley on Thursday, September 19, at home.