The team of Phoebe Collins, Katie McGarrigle, Charisma Nuqui, and debutante Andre Lukosiute represented the Essex U14s to conclude this year's 12 Counties event.
The girls battled hard in their matches against Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, and Cambridgeshire against some formidable competition. Collins had a tough day playing in the number 1 position, especially having only come back from injury some two days prior to the event! Whilst she lost all three of her matches, Phoebe played some great tennis and performed admirably against girls who were all higher rated than her. Katie McGarrigle, at 2, had much the same day. Despite playing higher rated girls she never gave up and instilled confidence in the rest of the team through sheer fighting spirit. Charisma Nuqui, also recently returned from injury, made life hard by losing two out of three of her first sets, but fought valiantly to maintain an unbeaten record on the day. Newcomer Andre played some fierce tennis to claim two out of three of her matches.
Overall, the girls drew two ties 2-2 and lost one 3-1. The level of play, competitive spirit, and camaraderie was high, and as a result I'm very much looking forward to the U14 County Cup qualifying in May. Come on Essex!
Jo Ward
Girls U14 Captian