Our Columba College tennis team travelled to Timaru over the weekend to compete in the South Island Secondary Schools (SISS) Tennis Championships. Up against some fierce competition, Columba showed super determination and skill, and were a credit to the school.

Traditionally the South Island is strong when it comes to tennis, and we are extremely proud that our Columba College Tennis team entered in the Elite Open Category at the SISS Tennis Championships in Timaru recently. The Open category is the top tier in the competition, and Columba's bravery to mix it with the best in the business was a credit to our team's determination and can-do attitude. Phoebe O'Donnell, Erin O'Neill, and Anise Maclean (all Year 10), combined with Year 11 student Bethany Nicholson to face fierce competition over the weekend.

Bethany Nicholson had some of the toughest matches of the tournament, coming up against two S2 ranked players, one of whom represents New Zealand. Despite going down to both players, Bethany's composure and skill on the court was hugely admirable. Her maturity and encouragement throughout the weekend towards her younger team members was highly impressive, and Bethany combined well with Erin O'Neill to take a great win during their doubles match.

Erin O'Neill won her singles match during the tournament, which was a fantastic effort. Combined with her doubles win with Bethany, this tournament was an important step in Erin's overall Tennis development. Erin has set herself high goals to climb the ranking order this season, and Columba College is extremely proud of her goal setting, determination, and skill on the tennis court!   

Phoebe O'Donnell played a marathon 2-hour match in the heat of the day to come very close to a win in her singles match against a strong St. Hilda's player. Phoebe's fighting spirit on the court was massive, and having already played two matches in the morning prior to this game, we are very proud of how close Phoebe came to taking a win against her fresh opponent!

We are very appreciative that Anise Maclean stepped in at the last minute to make up numbers for our Columba Team, and her attitude over the weekend was outstanding. Improving across every game she played, the tournament was an important stepping stone in Anise's overall tennis development. Taking games during her match against an Otago Representative Player is definitely worth noting!  

A big thank you to our passionate Tennis Manager, come Mentor, come parent supporter Mr Richard O'Neill, who attended the tournament with our Columba Team, and was an important driving force in getting our girls to SISS Champs this year. Richard's enthusiasm for the game is certainly appreciated and his ongoing assistance will be key in tennis gaining further profile here at Columba. Exciting times ahead with some promising young players coming through! Thank you Richard.

Well done Bethany, Erin, Phoebe and Anise. We are extremely proud of your efforts!