High School Sports

Howland doubles team set for district

Francesca Elisco and Kate Li have been two of the best singles players in the area, seemingly unbeatable by most.

The Howland High School seniors decided going as a tandem gave them their best chance to advance this postseason.

The sectional draw had some strong players. Ultimately, the two decided on combining forces as a doubles team.

They head into Thursday's Division I district at the Springside Fitness and Racquet Club as a top seed out of the Solon Sectional. Elisco and Li face off against Avon's Alyssa McLellon and Marta Koziy in the first round.

The two are quite fluid on the court.

"Being a doubles player means you have to rely not only on yourself, but another person," Elisco said. "I would say my biggest strength is that I trust my partner completely. We communicate extremely well and know how to keep each other motivated."

Two straight wins secures a bid to the district semifinals and the state tournament.

Li said the doubles team has an intangible that sets them apart from the rest of the Division I field.

"We need to stay focused and play every point like it's our last," she said. "All of the doubles teams at districts will be very experienced and skilled. However, I think having a strong mindset and relentlessly chasing down every ball can set us apart."

Elisco's older sister, Bella, qualified for district play when she was with the Tigers. The two are a couple of years apart. Francesca was motivated by Bella to try harder each time the two played.

"Having her around meant I always had access to a hitting partner," Francesca said. "I was able to learn a lot by watching her throughout her high school years, which in the end helped me when my turn came. Not to mention, being siblings means everything is a competition. Playing against her meant I was constantly trying to be better."

Li said her net play and ball placement skills are her strengths. She added that she and Francesca communicate well during points when they need to make quick adjustments.

That'll help them both on Thursday. Elisco said the two have to play smart, stay calm and play to their strengths if they want to make it to state.

"The best way to prepare is to not get caught up looking up who all of our potential opponents are," she said. "We need to go in knowing we have as good of a chance as anyone else there, it doesn't matter who we play. We have the skills needed, now we just need to apply them. We need to stay positive and never get ahead of ourselves."

Things happen during the course of the match. Li said to be patient along the way.

"In my opinion, the best way to mentally prepare is to put any fears or feelings of anxiety before we go into the match," she said. "We should not think of the end outcome of the match, whether we win or lose, but rather take each point at a time. Take breaks and slow down if we're losing momentum. Most importantly, it's important for us to remember that mistakes happen and to not get bogged down on a single mishap."