CHAPTER 6
At practice the next week, Alexis and Erin hit ground strokes back and forth across the net.
“Nice match with Stephanie the other day,” said Erin. “You creamed her. I’m so glad you decided to start making some challenges for a higher rank. Now everyone will really be able to see what you can do.”
Alexis ran down a ball in the corner and hit it back to Erin.
“It’s not a big deal,” said Alexis. “I really just want to play tennis.”
“Are you sure about that?” Erin asked, smiling. “You’re challenging Morgan today for the number two spot, aren’t you? Something tells me you want to do a little more than just play tennis.”
“Be quiet and hit the ball, would you?” Alexis said with a laugh.
Erin hit a shot that pushed Alexis behind the baseline, which marked the end of the court. Alexis stepped back and hit the ball.
Erin hit another shot, and another. Each time, she pushed Alexis further and further behind the baseline.
“You don’t have to hit it that well!” said Alexis, out of breath.
Then Erin stepped into the ball and hit it hard. She moved her racquet quickly under the ball. The ball barely cleared the net. Finally, it landed several steps in front of Alexis.
Alexis didn’t have a chance. She almost fell over as she tried to get to the net. The ball bounced a couple of times before it finally stopped.
A voice came from the next court. “You need to move up on those, you know.” Alexis looked up. It was Olivia.
“Those big shots deep in the court that drive you behind the baseline,” Olivia went on. “You need to move up on those. Don’t get so far behind the baseline. That’s the problem you’re having.
“Yeah?” Alexis replied nervously.
“Let me show you,” Olivia said. She ran over to Erin’s side of the net. “May I?” she asked.
“Sure,” said Erin.
“Go ahead,” Olivia told Alexis. “Hit me some deep shots.”
Alexis hit a huge shot. It flew deep into Olivia’s court.
Then Olivia stepped up. She barely waited for the ball to drop. Then she immediately smacked it back across the net and past Alexis’s racquet.
“You can’t wait for the ball to bounce so high,” said Olivia. “You need to get the ball right after it bounces. Otherwise, your opponent will drive you too far behind the baseline.”
“Okay,” Alexis said. “Thanks.”
“So, you’re taking on Morgan today?” Olivia asked.
“Yeah,” Alexis replied.
Olivia smiled and said, “Just remember, Morgan’s going to try to intimidate you. Don’t let her.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Alexis asked, feeling confused. “You want me to win?”
“No,” Olivia said. “I just don’t want to see you lose to someone intimidating you. Tigers don’t lose that way.”
“Hey, Middle School!” yelled Morgan from the next court. “Let’s play.”
“Besides,” Olivia added, “even if you beat Morgan, you’re never going to get past me for the top spot.” She winked at Alexis.
Alexis smiled. “Right,” she said. “Well, I have to go beat Morgan now.”
Then Alexis jogged to the next court, where Morgan was waiting.