Intensity filled the air as the girls from the Birmingham Community Charter High School tennis team faced off against rival opponent, William Taft Charter High School on Oct. 13.

Varsity player Emely Felix felt the nerve-wracking pressure as the win depended on her match. Unfortunately, this match ended in 6-8 with the Taft Toreadors winning the game..

The Birmingham Varsity Lady Patriots faced a rough season this fall, resulting in 1 win and 9 losses. However, the team can at least agree that their skills have become more refined. Through their determination and diligence they were able to end a four year slump to make playoffs.

“I feel like the team did phenomenal, especially considering they improved drastically from last year,” Felix said.

The team was ecstatic to win their first playoff game, going 7-0 against the Santee Falcons. Anxious for next season, they are high in spirits and remain optimistic. This season has allowed the team to gain experience, pushing them to practice harder and polish the team’s rough edges.

“In this season we lost a lot of matches that were 3 to 4 so we were close to winning each time,” Felix said. “I expect to beat those schools next season.”