Live Oak’s top single gearing up for strong finish, better start
in 2011
MORGAN HILL — The girls tennis team from Live Oak High School has begun Santa Teresa Division play 0-4, but Acorns coach Ken Marques insists the season is not lost.
One of the main reasons why is Live Oak’s top single, Elena McElheny. The junior has been working hard at practice to be in top form for the second half of division play and beyond.
“No. 1 is a really tough position this year in league, and it’s her first time up,” Marques said during Wednesday’s practice. “I think the rest of the season looks a lot more promising for her. She’s learned a lot in her first four league matches, and I can see her snagging a few wins this year and becoming a top player as a senior. I see huge potential in her. Elena’s very patient; she listens, and she’s very focused.”
McElheny dominated as the Acorns’ No. 3 single in 2009, qualifying for Blossom Valley Athletic League Finals with Mika Matsumoto after they placed third in the Santa Teresa Doubles Tournament.
McElheny wants to make it back to BVALs on her own this fall.
“I’d like to be one of the top-seeded players and just get better each game,” she said. “They hit a lot harder at No. 1, so I’m trying to hit as hard as I can and get my stamina up. I’m building up for next year.”
So are the rest of the Acorns, who graduated nine members of last year’s team that placed third in the division. Marques, now in his third year at LOHS, lobbied to have his team move down to the West Valley Division, but the other league coaches didn’t approve.
“It’s a rebuilding year. It is what it is,” he said. “This is a heart-breaker for a young team.”
The veterans include seniors Amy Freitas and Melrose Ecura, and McElheny, who head a quietly sound singles rotation with Presentation High transfer Stephanie Nowlen, a junior.
The doubles teams, in order, are Nicole LaJeunesse (junior) and Helen Van (freshman), sisters Patty Monterrey (senior) and Elsa Monterrey (freshman), and juniors Diana Cuevas and Juliette Olsen.
“My three veterans and my three seniors have been playing sports together for a long time,” Marques said. “I’m asking them to be mentors this year.”
NOTE: Live Oak hosts Oak Grove at 3:15 p.m. today. Both teams are looking for their first league win.
