Four years.  Three trips.  Two people. One win. Now it was time to prove themselves again. Lauren DeRousse and Christine Schafly, seniors, traveled with their team to Springfield Missouri, October 22 for the annual tennis State competition.

         In their four-year career, this was their third trip to Springfield; and although they placed first in the competition last year, the pressure was heightened. Winning State is one thing, keeping that coveted title is another.

           After a four and a half hour road trip, the girls were ready to compete in doubles for the MSHSAA State tournament.  From the moment their hands grasped the handle of the tennis racket, they entered into the competitive mindset.

           “Whenever we go to State, we step up our game,” said DeRousse.

            The girls conquered their opponents in the first round. By the time the second round came, the girls were even more anxious to prove themselves. DeRousse and Schafly defeated Pembroke, winning the quarterfinals, and were ready to advance for the semifinals the next day.

             When the girls arrived with their coaches for part two of the competition, they saw that they already had their own dedicated fanbase.

            “The top eight of the team came to support us,” said DeRousse.

              During the semifinals, the girls were paired against the Barstow team.  They were off to an exceptional start winning the first set six to three. However, Barstow beat WCA just barely six to seven in set two. But Schafly and DeRousse would not let their victory be taken away from them, and won six to three in the third set, defeating Barstow as they passed to the finals.

              It was now down to Visitation and WCA. The prize of being known as best in state was now only a match away. Schafly and DeRousse started off by beating their opponents six to four, winning the first set. However, Visitation would not allow them to hold that lead. Second set, WCA was defeated four to six.

               The girls’ nerves were heightened.  The result of the tournament would be in the fate of the third and final set.

           But when the storm clouds rumbled in, the tournament came to a complete halt.  Now there was the debate of whether or not to go inside. Fears of losing flooded into the girls’ mind.

             “I didn’t want to lose my focus or the flow we had,” said DeRousse.

               Finally, the decision came in: the set would be held indoors. 

              What the girls feared most came to pass. Visitation easily adjusted to the new environment and won two to six. Visitation had seized WCA’s prize.

             Although the girls were disappointed, their coach, Nathan Talley, focused on their terrific careers at Westminster more than their loss. Talley’s appreciation of the girls shows through every time he is with them.

            “[Lauren and Christine] have a rare amount of talent, chemistry, and leadership.  To get to coach people like that is incredibly satisfying,” said Talley.