Balance Is Key for Dana Hills

Neither injury nor inexperience have done much to slow the Dana Point Dana Hills girls’ tennis team.

Not many opponents have stopped the Dolphins, either.

Dana Hills (12-3, 5-0), ranked No. 7 in the Southland by The Times, had won eight consecutive matches until a 16-2 loss to No. 4 Rolling Hills Estates Peninsula on Oct. 15.

The Dolphins got back on track the next day with a 16-2 victory over Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley in a South Coast League match at Dana Hills High.

Success has come despite the fact that a strained right elbow has bothered Amy Beck, Dana Hills’ No. 1 player, throughout the season.

Beck has been able to play in only seven matches and has gone three sets in only three. She also suffered a strained right calf two weeks ago.

“I definitely started out injured and that was tough,” Beck said. “It’s hard coming back expecting to play well and not being able to. As soon as I have to compete at that high level, [the elbow] starts hurting.”

Following the graduation of last year’s standouts — Kady Pooler, Kristen Wilson and Kristin Bronowicki — the Dolphins have forged ahead with the help of a quartet of freshmen.

Kendra Ivey has played No. 2 singles behind Beck and filled in at the top spot when the latter has been sidelined.

Brooke Pletcher, Christina Tan and Natalie Hardy have played well at various times in the other two singles spots and contributed in doubles, providing Dana Hills with surprising depth.

“I had a lot of questions going into the season, and they’re a little young,” Coach Jim Wilson said. “But I think most of them are really getting it.”

Dana Hills also has received a lift from the improved play of senior captains Amanda Varela and Gillian Ayres at No. 1 doubles.

They have dropped only three sets this season and picked up the Dolphins’ only victories in the loss to Peninsula.

“The key for us is going to be if we really buy into the balance thing,” Wilson said.

“I think we’re on the right road. It’s a challenge, but the kids have to understand that we’re all in it together.”