SENIOR MOMENT: Princeton High girls’ tennis player Elise Gerdes fires a backhand at the Mercer County Tournament last week. Senior Gerdes took second at second singles, helping PHS tie WW/P-S for second place in the team standings behind champion Hightstown. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Spencer Watts was thrilled to be playing in her first Mercer County Tournament for the Princeton High girls’ tennis team while teammate Elise Gerdes brought a sense of urgency into her final appearance at the event. 

Freshman Watts and senior Gerdes ended up in the same spot at the MCT last week as Watts took second at third singles while Gerdes was the runner-up at second singles, helping PHS tie WW/P-S for second in the team standings behind champion Hightstown.

Despite falling 6-1 to Anushu Rangu of Hightstown in the finals, Watts was all smiles as she reflected on the experience.

“It was so much fun; all of the girls are so sweet,” said Watts. “I know most of the girls from outside USTA tournaments so it is really fun just to have everyone here. I think it is just a great environment.”

In the semis, Watts made a great comeback, rallying to defeat Kimberly Wong of WW/P-S, 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 to earn a spot in the finals.

“I did lose the first set and I just think I had the mindset to come back and I was going to be able to beat her in the end,” said Watts. “I ended up going to the net a lot more and trusting my shot.”

While Watts couldn’t produce a comeback against Rangu, she enjoyed the challenge.

“I have played this girl before, she is a great player,” added Watts. “It was fun.”

Playing at the high school level has helped Watts sharpen her game. “I am improving 100 percent; it is awesome,” said Watts. “Being at the net more, that helps a lot. Playing at this level everyday is so much fun. It is a great learning experience for future matches and tournaments.”

Gerdes, for her part, has enjoyed imparting her experience to her younger teammates.

“My favorite part about being a leader is basically motivating everyone and giving everyone advice,” said Gerdes.

“I like feeling like a helping hand. I can guide people and make then feel better and more confident.”

Displaying her confidence, Gerdes pulled away to a 6-4, 6-1 win over Marissa Liu of Hopewell Valley in the semifinals.

“It was a tough match; we were both playing well,” said Gerdes. “She was attacking the ball and dominating play. I started feeling let down and then I turned myself around and won the second set a lot easier.”

Although things were a lot harder in the final as Gerdes fell 6-1, 6-0 to Sahithi Muthyala of Hightstown, she felt good about her run to the finals.

“I was very happy because I had some very difficult matches going into it,” said Gerdes, who was playing through a cold.

“I am proud that I stayed mentally tough, persevered, and was able to accomplish what I did.”