10:53 AM EST on Thursday, November 3, 2005

Frank the moderator: Join Carolyn Thornton and members of the East Greenwich girls tennis team to talk about their current season.
Submit a question now, and come back Wed. night @ 8 p.m. to join the chat.

Carolyn Thornton: Hello, everyone. Welcome to tonight's high school chat. We are joined tonight by East Greenwich seniors Ainsley Bonham, Kristen VanVleck and Monica Rosenberg, who all helped the Avengers keep their unbeaten streak in tact and capture their second straight Division II State Tennis Championship. Please feel free to start sending in your questions.

Carolyn Thornton: Let's start out by talking about your win over North Kingstown in Sunday's finals at Slater Park.

Carolyn Thornton: So it was your second doubles team of Meredith Flynn and Lynsday Osborn that clinched the victory with their three-setter over Clarie Lundgren and Lindsay Hamilton. Ainsley, can you tell us what went through your mind the moment you knew that your team had in fact won the state title again?
E.G. girls tennis: I remember watching the final point thinking to myself: "It really happened!" We all immediately rushed the courts, many of us with tears streaming down our faces. As seniors we knew it was our last match and that we had finished our season perfectly. It was a great feeling.

Carolyn Thornton: Monica, I understand you snapped the 2-2 tie with your three-set decision over Phoebe Livingston. Can you talk about your match?
E.G. girls tennis: When the match first started, I looked down the courts and saw that everyone was down, but I was still confident that we could win. After losing the first set 1-6, I only became more determined, and I won the next set 6-2. The last set was the hardest because it was so close and I knew a win in my match would help our team so much. Plus, Phoebe is an excellent competitor. The support of all the fans really helped me, and I started to cry right after I won knowing that I was helping my team towards a second state title.

Carolyn Thornton: Kristen, is it correct that you and Ashley Platt tied the match with your win over Julie Woodside and Kellie Donovan at first doubles? That match sounded like a nailbiter, as well. Can you tell us how it went?
E.G. girls tennis: After our win, the score was 2-2, so it was all tied up. I was happy that we won and all I could do was cheer on my teammates. The match was very close. After the first set went into a tiebreaker, I knew that it was going to be close. It ended up going into three sets. It was a very good match and Julie and Kellie were kind opponents and skilled players.

mocha072: Do you think the team can win another division championsip if it doesn't have to move up a division?
E.G. girls tennis: Definitely. We not only had a young team going into this year, but the girls coming up from Junior Varsity are also great players. They were undefeated, beating Division I teams to clinch the title. I think there is a lot of potential for another strong season.

cutecor24: Hi girls!
Congratulations on your great success! How did you prepare for such a great season?
E.G. girls tennis : Monica: Captains' practices started in August, and we began conditioning at the outset. Tryouts were pretty strenuous, and we continued doing both hitting and running drills in practices. We also worked a lot on our mental games and keeping a positive, motivated mindset. Kristen: We even did drills where we had teammates cheering during points to prepare us for real-life competition. We also had amazing team chemistry and everyone got along. Ainsley: The fact that everyone kept tennis high on their list of priorities really helped our team. We didn't find problems with a lack of enthusiasm; we were all on the same page.

dani3656: what is the most important aspect to a tennis game?
E.G. girls tennis: Ainsley: Having the right mindset. If you don't think you can win, you most likely won't. Having skills is obviously a factor, but having a winner's mentality is more important.

lollipop242: how was the north kingstown competition? do you think they were harder or more prepared than the last time you played them?
E.G. girls tennis: Kristen: North Kingstown was one of the most difficult teams we encountered. The score was 5-2 but it doesn't do justice to how closely matched we were. A majority of the matches went into three sets and were extremely close. It is hard to tell how much NK improved from last year because we also grew and improved as a team.

mocha072: How do you think the team will do if it has to move up a division?
E.G. girls tennis: Ainsley: Division I is undoubtedly a much more competitive pool. Anything is possible, but we would have to take our game to an even higher level. Two years ago East Greenwich was in Division I, but did not find much success. Our team has improved greatly though, I'm sure we will rise to the challenge.

mary.janea: Great job East Greenwich!
With your loss of valuable seniors this year, how do you think next year's team will be?
E.G. girls tennis: Monica: Last year, we lost five seniors and we went on to win another state championship. Hopefully, history will repeat itself, and all the spots will be filled.

lollipop242: what division are you guys gonna be in next year since you guys are undefeated in division II right now?
E.G. girls tennis: Monica: As of now, we are 30-0 with two state championships under our belt, so there is a possiblity we will move up to Division 1.

Carolyn Thornton: How does it feel to be part of a team that has gone undefeated for two years? That's 30-straight matches without a loss. Was the pressure to keep the streak alive building with every win this season or did the confidence that came with each victory override that? Any of you can feel free to weigh in on this one.
E.G. girls tennis: Kristen: Yes, there was pressure. 30-0 sounds a lot better than 29-1. The pressure peaked during the finals. Everything had built up to this match. I was in the same position against North Kingstown last year. Being a senior, I wanted to go out and win again. Coach Brocato did a lot to keep us motivated throughout the season.

dani3656: hi k-vans! ur my hero!! no one messes with you! i want to ask you... do you think doubles and singles require different strategy or are they about the same?
E.G. girls tennis: Kristen: Doubles and singles require very different strategies. I've never played singles, but doubles requires keeping the ball away from the person at net and lots of good angles. Singles seems like it requires a lot more running and higher stamina.

egbaseball: congrats from jake and logan
E.G. girls tennis : Thanks Mr. Downey. Good luck in baseball season from all of us.

dani3656: what do you feel is most important for a successful team?
E.G. girls tennis: Ainsley: I don't really think there is one factor that goes into a "successful" team. A lot of it is our own skill and effort, but the mental part of it comes from team chemistry and motivation. We have had great coaching and support from our parents throughout the season. We focused during practices and before matches, keeping our heads clear of distractions. We knew our wins weren't guaranteed- we had to work for them. Everyone did their part, and despite the very individual aspects of this sport, we put the success of our team first.

dani3656: do yall train outside of the high school tennis program?
E.G. girls tennis: Monica: Many of us take lessons, play with friends, or attend camps over the summer, but during tennis season we primarliy practice as a team.

jlm3186: hey guys
E.G. girls tennis: Hi Jess, thanks for leaving us a message. Congratulations on making top 8 in All-State! - from all of us

dani3656: kristin... is being a fast sprinter important in tennis?
E.G. girls tennis: It is important to be in shape, and obviously you need to run to the balls. You need to outlast your opponent. However, skill and consistency are just as important.

Mr. Brocato: You don't find them any better than these girls Caroline! They are amazing. Great job with the chat!
E.G. girls tennis: Thanks Mr. Brocato! We enjoyed working with you over our four years in the program. Shout out to Leah and the Mrs.! Thanks for all your support and great coaching. from all of us.

dani3656: k-vans: no one messes with you!!!
E.G. girls tennis: Thanks. We just want to congratulate the rest of our teammates: Jess Miller, Danielle Lafever, Ashley Platt, Meredith Flynn, Lindsay Osborne, Melanie Rosenberg, Erin Cannata, and the whole JV team! Special congrats to our other seniors, Jill Lambiase and Amanda Eller. -Monica, Kristen, and Ainsley

Carolyn Thornton: Well, it looks like our time is up. Kristen, Monica and Ainsley, thanks so much for stopping by to chat with us and give us a peak inside the inner workings of a championship team. Congratulations on your state title - your second state title, that is - and best of luck to you as you finish out your final high school year!
E.G. girls tennis: Thanks so much, we had a great time. Let's hope that next year's seniors will be sitting here next November. - AInsley, Kristen, and Monica Go East!!