Mention the word tennis to Jessica Kirschmann, and her eyes light up.
The San Benito High junior has made a rapid ascent in the Haybalers’ lineup, going from junior varsity doubles last year to playing No. 2 singles on the varsity this season.
“I did not expect to be doing this right now, but the experience has been great and it makes me want to improve even more,” Kirschmann said moments after wrapping up a 6-0, 6-4 win over Samantha Reynoso in a match against Watsonville on Tuesday. “Playing varsity singles has given me even more motivation to work harder once the season is over.”
San Benito doesn’t have nearly as many athletes who play tennis year-round as it does in other sports such as football, baseball and softball, just to name a few. But Kirschmann is one of those rare players who came onto the sport late but has made up for lost time by playing throughout the year.
Although she has settled into her role at No. 2 singles, Kirschmann played three or four matches at the top spot earlier this season.
“I see a big difference playing the top girl from every team to the No. 2,” she said. “I want that first spot next year, and I know I’m going to have to play really well to be competitive.”
The Balers improved to 5-3 in Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division play after a 7-0 victory over Watsonville. Leeann Gutierrez continued her fine season with a 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 1 singles, and Julia Duggs and Rachel Brigantino combined to drop just three games at No. 3 and 4 singles, respectively.
San Benito also received wins from its doubles teams of Megan Hurley-Maddy Triolo, Heidi Bribiesca-Mari Hernandez and Shelby Coffeen-Kaylee Hansen. The Balers are battling two other teams for second place in the Gabilan, which would put them in a one-match playoff for a berth into the Central Coast Section playoffs.
San Benito has been paced by the consistent play of its singles players all season. Kirschmann has a strong forehand, but acknowledged she needs to improve her backhand and serve in the off-season.
Once the season is over, Kirschmann plans to practice at Ridgemark with San Benito boys tennis coach Chris Yoder, who is also Ridgemark’s tennis director. Kirschmann also plans on playing in more tournaments, something she did over this past off-season.
“My mom (Laura) found some tournaments for me to play in, and it was great because the girls I played hit a lot harder than the high school girls I’ve played,” she said. “It was good to see what else was out there.”
Kirschmann played a number of sports growing up, but tennis wasn’t one of them. This despite the fact that Laura is a tennis player and constantly encouraged her daughter to take up the sport.
“I never had a big interest in tennis until one summer before my eighth grade year when I had nothing to do,” Kirschmann said. “My mom asked me to try out tennis, and I’m really glad I started playing because it’s my life right now.”
Balers coach Ed Cecena said he loves coaching girls tennis because there is a combination of athletes who play for the social/activity aspect, but also some of them who treats the sport as a year-round deal.
“Jessica has come the longest way, and it’s not a surprise,” Cecena said. “She was definitely our hardest worker in the off-season, and made a concerted effort to play in local tournaments. The fact that she is No. 2 on our team is no coincidence. When you work as hard as she did, you reap the benefits during the season.”
Kirschmann enjoys playing in mother-daughter tournaments, something she got to experience for the first time last year with Laura. Kirschmann enjoys tremendous family support, as her grandparents attend every home match.
“My mom has helped me a lot with my game,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her and the rest of my family.”
After losing several seniors off last year’s squad, Cecena expected to have a rebuilding year. However, the Balers have exceeded expectations through a combination of hard work and a love for the game.
“Give credit to the girls for battling and hanging in there,” Cecena said. “The results have been better than expected.”
