The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Girls’ Varsity tennis team finished the 2012 season with a 16-3 record but was defeated by Edina in the section playoffs. After graduating only one senior, the the team returns with a strong nucleus that hopes to contend for a section title once again.

This year’s team hopes to build on the program’s rich history by adding a 17th straight conference championship to the team’s trophy case. “Our goal is to continue to work hard in practice and hopefully win the conference like we have in the past years,” senior captain Bridgit Flom said.

Already off to an 11-2 start, the girls have credited conditioning and team chemistry as their main reasons for success. “Right away in August, we were all on the courts together trying to get better. We also have been doing conditioning on our own which has paid off so far,” Flom said.

The fast start has been highlighted by key victories over St. Paul Academy and Spring Lake Park, in which the girls were tested before winning each match by a score of 4-3. With the addition of two new players, along with a new assistant coach Makenna Borg, the girls believe that this year’s squad looks just as promising as previous seasons. “Our new players have added some skill this year along with some enthusiasm. Our new assistant coach has also given us a boost,” Flom said.

Despite the promising outlook, the team know there is still work to be done if they are to fulfill their potential. “Our focus needs to get better on and off the court. If we do that I think we will be able to block out all distractions at the end of the season and accomplish what we are hoping to accomplish,” Flom said.