Two Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club junior players are itching to return to the court for another pennant season this summer.
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Lucy Kavanagh and Monty Darcy, both 11, said they were excited by the imminent return of the WLTC's junior pennant, which runs from October to April.
The 2021-22 season is expected to start on October 30, COVID restrictions permitting, and run until Christmas before taking a break during the school holidays.
The pennant season will resume in the new year and then run until April 2.
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Registrations for this summer close on Saturday, October 16. The pennant is open for players aged nine to 17 years old.
A grading day for new players will take place the following week on October 23 at 2.30pm at the club's Lake Pertobe home.
Junior memberships are $100, which includes fees and 12 months court hire. A family membership is $320.
Darcy, who idolises Australian player Alex de Minaur, said getting out and having a hit was what he enjoyed about playing pennant.
"It is fun to have a hit with other people and get out and play singles and doubles and you learn how to play each one," he said.
The St Joseph's Primary School student, who has been playing the sport for three years, said participating in pennant helped when he plays in tournaments.
"It helps me with getting used to playing matches," he said.
Darcy won the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club's under 10s championship last pennant season.
Kavanagh said she was looking forward to getting back on court.
She said she enjoys growing as player when she plays pennant.
"Each week you can strive to get up to a new group in ability as there is different levels of ability at pennant," she said.
I love the match side of it too, especially doubles. I like playing alongside someone else and doing different tactics. I enjoy singles too.
- Lucy Kavanagh
Kavanagh, who also plays netball for Hampden league club Warrnambool during winter, said she idolised Australian world number one Ash Barty.
"She has always got a positive mindset and she knows what she is going to do when she is on the court," she said of what she admired about Barty.
Kavanagh said she was looking to improve her serving this season.
She said she was working on her ball placement when serving.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
