Mungee, Galati qualify for state as duo

After reaching the consolation semifinals in the state doubles tournament a year ago, Vita Galati and Suna Mungee are back for redemption.

The duo took first at individual districts on Sept. 28, qualifying for the state doubles tournament being hosted at Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield, Missouri.

“It’s really exciting,” Mungee said. “Last year when we went, we didn’t really have high hopes. But, after going to state, placing and doing really well, we want to place higher and play a smart game with smart shots. Vita and I are pretty excited.”

Galati said the lack of high hopes was because last year was the pair’s first state experience.

“Experience was the big thing because it was our first time going,” Galati said. “This year we’re coming in with more experience and I think it will be to our advantage especially because we’ve grown skill level wise.”

Mungee said she hopes this time around she and Galati will play with more belief.

“We just need to be more confident,” Mungee said. “We have the strokes. We have the shots. We just need to play knowing we can play like that.”

First-year head coach Pershard Owens had high praise for his senior duo.

“They just have the chemistry on the court,” Owens said. “That’s extremely important playing doubles. Also, they enjoy it. That’s the most important part. They mesh really well.”

As a first-year coach, Owens made sure not to mess up the foundation left behind by Donna Ryan and Linda Ruddy.

“I didn’t change a lot,” Owens said. “I just wanted to enhance what they already did. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Miss Donna and Miss Linda bringing them up and passing them off.”

Galati said off the court that the two are best friends, which helps their on-court play.

“We’ve grown up together,” Galati said. “Our skills complement each other so well. Like, I really like my forehand, and she really likes her backhand. I’m good at the net, and she’s great on the baseline. Our skills fit together like a puzzle piece.”

Perhaps the sweetest part of this trip for the pair is the fact that it is also their senior year.

“It has been our goal,” Mungee said. “We wanted to go back and play even better.”

The doubles tournament is set for Oct. 12 and 13 at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield.