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At the beginning of the season, Manchester tennis coach Don Snell said the key to any success his team might have would be how well the Squires would be able to maintain their focus.
Well, their eyes must be wide open and looking straight ahead.
Manchester has smashed and volleyed its way to a 9-2 regular season, which includes a dominating performance in winning the Three Rivers Conference title.
"We have developed and come along well, and I think the girls understand the strategy that I have tried to teach them and how to change that strategy when needed," Squire coach Don Snell said. "This is a smart bunch. They know how to play tennis."
The focus for the Squires all season has been when they meet a challenge, instead of shying away from it or fearing it, they seem to be able to meet it head on, and more often than not, overcome it.
"I think we have as good of a shot as anybody," Snell said of a sectional title. "It is a challenge. All year we have looked at challenges as something to enjoy not to be afraid of. There have been several times this year they have taken challenges and done well. I hope they keep on doing that."
Snell will ask his Manchester team to change its focus once again, and at yet another challenge. Starting with a marquee matchup with the host Tigers on Saturday, the Squires are focusing toward a sectional crown.
"I said in the beginning that if this group can be focused we will do well," Snell said. "If we can go into Saturday's match focused, knowing what we have to do and execute, we will do well. That might not guarantee us a win."
Warsaw enters sectional play with a record of only 6-5, but with the Tigers' schedule, it evens up their matchup with the Squires. Manchester and Warsaw did not play during the regular season.
"We are going to have our hands full," Snell said. "It is always tough to beat the home school on their own courts. They beat Wawasee 3-2 by the narrowest of margins, and we beat Wawasee 3-2 by a narrow margin. The three of us are all pretty even. It will depend on who is sharp and ready that night or afternoon."
Snell said playing a tough and talented team like Warsaw right off the bat is a good thing for the Squires, especially if they manage to get past the Tigers.
"A good match like this if it come out in your favor can get you peaked and sharp for the next one if you win," Snell said.
Warsaw Tennis Sectional
Thursday
Whitko vs. Wawasee (6-7), 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
Warsaw (6-5) vs. Manchester (9-2), 10 a.m.
Valley (3-9) vs. Whitko-Wawasee winner, 10 a.m.
Championship, 2 p.m.
