Changing Times at Sacred Heart

There's a youth movement coming out of Sacred Heart girls tennis, and it looks to be spelling good things for the team that came in third in last year's catholic league.

After years of not allowing underclassmen on the varsity team, Sacred Heart is opening up its ranks. With the potent doubles team of Sam Jermek and Sara Thompson, seasoned senior captains, and senior Caroline Kenny, the influx of younger players provides a formidable mix of young talent and experience.

"It's a growing program," said co-coach Peggy Finnegan. "Before, some tennis players didn't choose Sacred Heart, because they knew they'd be stuck on the JV team for the next two years."

Now, the tide has changed and is paying immediate dividends. The team's new first singles player, Jen Ferguson, is a very promising sophomore that could lead the team to second-place berth this year.

"We expect great things out of her," Finnegan said.

In fact, other than Jermek, Thompson and Kenny, the entire team, 11 other players, is made of sophomores and juniors.

"We're hoping to return with strength and commitment," Finnegan added.

My editor willing, check out the Sunday High School section (girls tennis beat notes) for more on Jermek and Thompson, the only team to win a court from juggernaut St. Francis Prep last year.

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