In what has turned out to be a season of ups and downs, the Seneca Valley girls tennis team has made the most of their 2017 campaign.

Through their first 16 contests (through September 26), the team won seven matches and were defeated in nine matches. The girls played to the tune of three wins and five losses in their first eight WPIAL section games.

The schedule presented to the girls was not an easy one. Their slate started with their first three matches on the road against West Allegheny, Oakland Catholic and Hampton.

The girls also competed against tough opponents including Pine-Richland, Central Valley, Kiski, Shaler, North Hills, North Allegheny, Montour, Moon, Altoona, Butler, Mars, Knoch and Blackhawk, in addition to having a match washed out against Beaver.

“All of the competition is tough. Lots of the teams within the section have some very talented players, so we just try to have fun and play to the best of our ability,” said sophomore Sam Condrick.

The regular-season is came to a close for the girls who played Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic for their finale.

The senior leadership showed its effectiveness in the quality play from the girls. Seniors include Allison Brazer, Rachel Elms, Emma Lucci and Lindsey VanHoose.

The team dresses an abundance of juniors and sophomores. Juniors include Condrick, Haley Davensizer, Sabrina Dunlap, Emily Grove and Sneha Padamati, while sophomores include Sydney Bruns, Charlee Dawson, Lauren Elms and Claire Matthews.

When asked about specific leadership within the group of girls, Condrick asserted that every individual has contributed in the form of a leader in some way. She noted that the team would have had a different dynamic had everyone not chipped in.

“Our team is a closely knit one where no one was new this year and everyone knew each other coming in. We are energetic, as we push each other really but feed off the positive energy. We are also very loving because everyone feels like a sister. We can all relate to each other in a very unique way,” said Condrick.

The girls worked their way through an arduous year, and made the best of what they could.