|
 Kena Bere was seeded 4th in the sectionals and needed to beat two
opponents in order to qualify for State. She did not disappoint.
On her first match she beat Clare Wieland of Central Catholic High
School in Bloomington, 6-0 and 6-1. Her next opponent was Olivia
Lee, a senior from University High school in Bloomington, who was
seeded 5th. Lee is a very strong competitor who went to State last
year.
The match between Bere and Lee took very long because the two ladies
played very hard. They had long rallies and many deuces. In one
game, they had over 8 deuces with rallies lasting for more than 20
shots. Bere finally prevailed and beat Lee 6-1 and 6-0. Afterward,
Bere said Lee was one of the greatest competitors she has played.
On 18th October the Singles and Doubles players who qualified for
State returned to Bloomington to compete for their final positions.
Not surprising, all the singles kept their seeding. Thus, Kena Bere
placed 4th, Madison Tattini of Central Catholic won the championship
followed by Julie Martin of Mattoon High School placing second.
Third place went to Christina Su of University High School in
Bloomington.
As Coach Bere's first year of coaching the girl's tennis team comes
to a successful end, she said she has much to be thankful for.
She appreciates LCHS hiring her to be the girls' coach. She said,
"Coaching is akin to parenting. One must love the players and work
with both their strengths and weaknesses in order to have a good
team. The results are not only a successful team, but also a gets
along well together. "
She wanted to thank the girls for making the job enjoyable, and for
playing with vigor at each match.
The girls team this year included Kena Bere, Melissa Van, Jeris
Bender, Megan Joseph, Annalise McDonald, Ariana Spencer, Adrie
Doolin and Lexi Tibbs.
[to top of second column] |
Bere said the parents of the team members were very supportive of
the team this year, and that too was much appreciated.
Bere also acknowledged the Lincoln Park District Recreation Center,
"the wonderful employees who work there bend backwards to
accommodate our changing schedules and offer words of encouragement
to me and to the team. We are very grateful to them.
Bere said she appreciated her place of employment; Lincoln Christian
University, for their support in her role as a tennis coach.
"LCU cares about the total well being of their employees. Indeed, my
dean, Dr James Estep has on occasion sent me word that he is praying
for Kena and the team." Bere said.
She ended offering thanks to family and friends who have offered
support in prayer and words of encouragement. She included in this
list Pastor and Mrs. Glenn Sheldon of Second Baptist Chruch, who
"have followed the team's success and given us public
acknowledgement in church on Sundays."
And she said, "last but definitely not least, God who has kept us
healthy and given us the athletic and academic abilities that permit
us to compete successfully."
[Coach Njeri Bere, Lincoln Community
High School]
 |
