During a standout sophomore year, Joplin’s Astrid Cardenas established herself as the top girls tennis player in Southwest Missouri.
Now, as her junior season approaches, Cardenas is hoping to take her game to another level as she once again leads the way for the Joplin Eagles.
“Last year was a fun experience,” Cardenas said. “Our team had a really great season and I really enjoyed it.”
It’s not hard to see why Cardenas enjoyed the 2019 season.
Cardenas compiled a singles record of 22-3 last fall, capturing conference and district championships. She went 16-1 during regular season singles play before going 6-2 in the postseason.
In one highlight of the season, Cardenas was the champion of the No. 1 singles bracket at the Central Ozark Conference Tournament.
Cardenas also finished on top of the singles bracket at the Thomas Jefferson Invitational and captured singles titles in district and sectional play, advancing to the Class 2 state championships in Springfield. At state, Cardenas went 0-2 to end a stellar season alongside the state’s best.
“State was a really good experience,” Cardenas said. “It was good to get that experience early in my career. Now I know what to expect. I won’t be as nervous next time and I’ll know how to stay calmer on the court.”
First-year Joplin tennis coach Jeff Williams said he expects Cardenas to take her game to another level this season.
“Astrid is a very talented player,” Williams said. “I know she wants to go further this year at state. We want to get her up on the podium this year.”
With making big strides in mind, Cardenas noted she played as much tennis as possible this summer.
“I feel like I’ve definitely improved in all aspects of my game,” Cardenas said. “I’m not cocky, but I come in with confidence when I play. I think you need to believe you’re going to win to have success. That’s how you win matches, so I just try to play with confidence.”
Cardenas said her individual and team goals are simple.
“For myself, I really want to win a few matches at state this year,” she said. “For the team, I hope we can display a lot of good sportsmanship and have a lot of fun.”
Joplin is scheduled to begin the season on Aug. 28 at the Kickapoo Invitational in Springfield.
“I’m very excited to get back on the court,” Cardenas said. “I’m hoping we can play the entire season.”
Jason Peake is a sports reporter and podcast host for SoMo Sports. You can follow him on Twitter at @JPeakeSports. You can follow SoMo Sports on Facebook, or on Twitter at @SoMo_Sports.
For more on the JHS tennis: FAMILIAR FACE, NEW SPORT
