The Briar Woods High School girls’ tennis team, whose season started in the winter, has had a “great experience so far” with a record of seven wins for the whole season.

The three days dedicated to try-outs in the beginning of the year and the routine practices and exciting matches seemed to have encouraged the girls to improve not only their athletic skills but their sportsmanship as well.

“Tennis taught me how to become a better team player,” said senior Sarima Mughal. “It encouraged me to become more involved with my teammates and allowed me to make more friends.”

Mughal, who “would definitely encourage more girls to join tennis”, believes that both the team and the sport could be beneficial to any girl interested.

“It’s not just a sport,” said Mughal. “The tennis team was like a family to me. I got to hang out with my friends and have fun.”

Head Coach Danielle Lackey believed that this year’s tennis team “had the best season” since she began coaching the Briar Woods team.

“They (the girls) really pulled together and did a good job,” said Lackey. “We tied for districts with Park View, but we lost to Dominion.”

Because she won’t be returning next year, Lackey encourages girls interested in tennis to join the team next year.

“I won’t be around to coach next year, but I believe that future teammates will have a great time on the team,” said Lackey. “Tennis is a sport that you can play your entire life and with a new coach to manage the girls next year, things will be interesting and new.”