The tennis players have had a busy few weeks on the tennis courts. Four members of our senior tennis team participated in the South African Junior Nationals that took place in Bloemfontein. Moroesi Tuoane (FI A) and Simone Banducci (FIII) won their singles matches in first rounds in the U14 and U16 age groups respectively. Sarah Millard (FV), St Mary’s tennis captain, beat both the number four and number one seeds to reach the final in the U18 singles. Sarah lost in the finals but is congratulated on her outstanding play throughout the tournament. Sarah and her partner also reached the finals of the U18 doubles.

Lilitha Ndungane (FIII) beat the number one seed on her way to the finals where she played faultless tennis to beat her opponent and clinch the South African U16 singles title. The winner of this title is rewarded with a fully paid trip to participate in the WTA Rising Stars Event later this year in China. Lilitha will be competing against players from all over the world. Owing to these outstanding results, Lilitha has also been selected for the South African U16 team which will participate in the prestigious African Junior Championships. Only three players per age group are chosen for this team. This tournament will take place in Egypt in June. We wish Lilitha the best of luck and congratulate her on her outstanding achievements.

Two U16 teams from St Mary’s participated in the BNP Rising Stars tournament. This is a new initiative to increase grassroots participation in tennis. Congratulations to Lilitha Ndungane, Simone Banducci, Moroesi Tuoane and Natasha Jenkins on winning the Gauteng Central leg of the tournament. The St Mary’s U16 A team now qualify for the provincial finals which will take place in June. St Mary’s beat a strong team from Helpmekaar in the final by two matches to one to win the gold medals. The St Mary’s B team comprising of Tayla Gibbs, Tisanke Mwanza, Alexia Bakos and Ilana Buck also played extremely well to be placed fifth out of ten teams participating in the event. Well done to all the players.

RENÉ PLANT
HEAD OF TENNIS