MILL CREEK — Platis, Bhak and Oh.
The names have become synonymous with success for the Jackson girls tennis team, and Timberwolves coach Judi Montgomery doesn’t expect that to change any time soon.
Last year as juniors competing mainly at the top four singles slots, Alex Platis, Grace Bhak and Carolyn Oh led Jackson to a regular-season Western Conference South Division title and a top-five district finish.
With all three players off that 15-1 team back this season, even loftier goals seem within reach.
“I think we’re going to be as tough as we were last year,” Montgomery said. “Our hope is that we’re going to take the league championship and hopefully the district championship.”
“We’re a lot stronger,” said Platis, who is aiming for a top-10 finish at the state tournament after losing in the first two rounds last year.
“I think we can be even better,” Bhak said. “We have a lot of new talent. They’ve been practicing a lot and we get along with each other.”
“We know what to expect,” Oh added.
And the future looks bright, thanks to a sister act that Montgomery dubs “The Next Generation.” Platis, Bhak and Oh all have younger sisters waiting in the wings.
Sophomores Stephanie Platis and Esther Oh are teamed up as Jackson’s No. 4 doubles team for exhibition matches. Freshman Rachel Bhak also plays exhibition doubles. In the next few years the young trio could step in where their older sisters leave off.
“I’m depending on it,” Montgomery said. “Not only are they pretty solid players, they’re gonna be the next generation for me.”
Stephanie and Esther wasted no time showing their potential. In their first doubles match this season they rolled to a 6-0, 6-0 victory against Kamiak.
But that’s the future.
Thanks to Jackson’s senior trio and top newcomer Sarah Ragsdale, a sophomore playing at No. 4 singles, the present seems just as promising. Still, a few traditionally strong teams threaten to prevent the Timberwolves from snagging another league title.
“I think Edmonds-Woodway is going to have a great team,” Montgomery said, “and Shorewood always has a great team.”
Jackson wraps up what Montgomery called “a tough week” today with a match at Edmonds-Woodway.
No matter what the competition throws at the Timberwolves, seniors Platis, Bhak and Oh stay focused. All three have different styles, but Montgomery said they share one important trait: mental toughness.
“You just know what to expect from them,” she said. “Some (tennis players) crumble when things get tough, but these three girls rise to the occasion every time.”
Currently competing at No. 1 singles, Alex Platis hits the ball harder than anyone else on the team.
“I just know that I’m going to get 100 percent out of her every time,” Montgomery said of Platis, who finished as one of the top five singles players in the Wesco South last year.
Smooth and controlled describes Grace Bhak, who plays No. 2 singles.
“She just places the ball well,” Montgomery said. “She doesn’t exert a whole lot of energy.”
At No. 3 singles, Carolyn Oh “is the steadiest player on the team,” Montgomery said. Oh has not lost a match in two years.
“It’s just incredible,” Montgomery said.
It seems “The Next Generation” has a lot to live up to, but the expectations haven’t soured the sisters’ relationships.
“They’re very close,” Montgomery said. “The older ones really look out for their little sisters.”
“It’s fun,” Stephanie Platis said. “They teach us … and we’re getting better.”
“We’re just kind of being leaders again,” Alex Platis explained.
“They’re all pretty young,” Carolyn Oh said. “Next year hopefully they’ll take over our spots.”
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