Physicality key to Lady Bearcats success on the tennis court

The Dexter Bearcats are looking at the same four foes they usually face in the first four matchups of the season but the Bearcats are hoping they can continue their success after the tough stretch.

Dexter went 3-0-1 in those matchups last season as they beat Charleston, Cape Central and Sikeston, after they tied Poplar Bluff in the season opener.

Sixth-year head coach Kristi Boles said her team has the ability to improve on the program’s five wins from a year ago and a big reason is their physicality.

Boles said her goal is to make the girls as mentally tough as they are physically tough this season and said they’ll be competitive every time they hit the court this season.

Kate Churchhill and Emma Dorton return for the Bearcats this season and will be the No. 1 and No. 2 players for Boles. Junior Sophia James will also get more varsity time after she saw a few matches at that level last season.

Boles said consistency is their strength this season as they have a strong lineup.

Boles said there are a few things that are key to be successful this season.

“We have to be each other's biggest cheerleader,” she said. “Every match counts the same no matter what rank you are. We also have to practice like it is a big match every day and push each other to be better than we were the day before.”

Dexter plays four-straight matches to start the season as they play at Poplar Bluff (Monday), Charleston (Tuesday) and at Cape Central (Wednesday) before the Bearcats’ home opener on Aug. 31 against Sikeston.