By ADAM KUJAWSKI, Staff Writer
Rivera’s Julissa Rostro has made the most of her senior season on the court.
For the first time in her time as a Raiders tennis player, Rostro is set to represent the Metro-area in the Region IV-6A tennis tournament today at McFarlin Tennis Center in San Antonio.
“I’m very proud of her,” Rivera coach Danny Espinosa said. “She’s set the standard on work ethic for how much work it takes to be successful in this game.”
Rostro, a senior, earned a spot in the regional by winning the District 32-6A singles tournament April 9. She’ll begin her trip through the single-elimination tournament at 8:30 a.m. today against Beatriz Benavides from Laredo Alexander.
“I expect to do my best,” Rostro said. “It feels good to represent Rivera.”
Espinosa agreed, and said he hopes she’ll make the most of her opportunity.
“I expect her to go a couple rounds,” her coach added. “She’s as prepared as she can be. We’ve been working on simple drills trying to add power to her attack.”
Earning a spot in the tournament comes as a result of playing tennis year-round. When she’s not competing and practicing in either the team tennis season or the individual tennis season for Rivera, she plays in monthly tournaments hosted by the United States Tennis Association. In August 2014, she reached the championship level — the second of three tiers — after accumulating enough points.
Rostro attributes a portion of her success to playing frequently.
“I’m constantly playing in tournaments,” she said. “I play in tournaments in and out of school.”
If she’s going to perform well in the regional tournament, she admits consistency will be a factor. And her coach thinks if she plays her game and implements the things she’s been working on, she’ll be effective.
“She’s got the ability to stay on the baseline and keep the ball in play consistently, and she can move into more of an attack position,” Espinosa said.
Adam Kujawski covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him at (956) 982-6663 or via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @adamkujo1.