Two Lancers are headed to the state tennis tournament. Sophomore Madeline McDonald qualified in singles, and freshman Claire Krul qualified in doubles with her partner, Maya.
For McDonald, this year was about the chance she missed last year. As a freshman, a strong senior class stood between her and States.
“Last year I didn’t get the opportunity to go to States because there were a lot of good seniors there,” McDonald said. “This year I knew I had the opportunity to, so I wanted to win and just see how well I can do.”
She did more than that. McDonald went undefeated, and at the All-Catholic tournament, she says she won all three matches 6-0. She credits knowing the field. “I already knew how everyone played,” she said, “so I could just go in and play the way they don’t like to play.”
Her final was against her teammate on the joint SMHS, Mount St. Mary’s team. “I was also excited for the girl I had to play in the finals, because she’s part of our team,” McDonald said. “It was just a really great moment for both of us, for the whole team honestly.”
“It’s really cool that I get to do this at my age,” Claire Krul, a Lancer freshman, said.
Krul’s road was less familiar. She moved to Western New York from Hawaii about a year and a half ago and has played competitive tennis for three years. Making States was a goal she set early.
“Going to States is something I didn’t expect,” Krul said. “I really wanted to at the start of the year, and both of our coaches told me that I had a shot at it, and I really just wanted to make that my goal.”
She also finished the season undefeated, but she faced most of her top opponents for the first time. Her last match at All-Catholics came against two experienced seniors. McDonald, the team captain, helped her prepare. “I th
Madeline McDonald
ink it was just a great learning experience for this year,” Krul said.
She also enjoyed the partnership. “I’m a freshman and this is my first time doing something like this,” she said, “and I just really enjoyed playing with Maya.”
Next up, the state tournament on Long Island.
McDonald is looking forward to the pressure. “I really do enjoy playing tournaments,” she said. “I like being able to learn from what happens throughout the matches, whether I win or lose.”
Claire Krul warms up before her tennis match.
Krul is keeping her expectations simple. “I’ve never played in this size of tournament before,” she said. “But honestly, I’m really excited for it.”
Good luck to the Lancers at States!