Whitehall head girls' tennis coach Meredith Kester admitted her team recently experienced their most difficult part of their schedule as they begin to conclude their 2012 campaign. The stint left them with an overall 6-8 mark beginning this week.

Yet, Kester is both optimistic and patient the program can soon return to the same level when they captured the District 11 Class AAA title two years ago.

"We definitely went through the hardest part of our schedule," Kester said. "We had some of those matches back-to-back, and it was a real challenge for us.

"We have a lack of varsity experience with this unit and it can hurt of confidence. But the girls have kept working hard and have fought back in a number of matches this year."

Kester credited her number two doubles team of senior Aisling Doyle and junior Laura Youwakim for their recent showing of determination and grit throughout the season.

"They have battled back from some deficits this year and have really done well," said Kester. "There was one time when they were lost the first set 6-0 and then came back and won the match. They have had a few of them like that and they have been game- and season-changers for them. Both of them have also become more confident players."

Freshman Eiman Nazis has also been impressive in her role as the team's number three singles player.

"She (Nazis)had a lot of freshman jitters," Kester said. "But is becoming more confident and playing stronger. Recently, she has had some very good matches."

Number three doubles team junior Nicole Tock and Olivia Kuhn, who were once undefeated as a unit at 9-0, have continued to excel.

"They know each other very well out there," Kester said. "Both of them are very aggressive and they will get better as team." Initially, Kester believed her team could capture a district playoff spot this fall, but she recently has re-evaluated her club's chances.

"We wanted to make districts, but it doesn't appear to be attainable for us," Kester said. "It is a little bit disappointing. We have struggled in our singles play than I anticipated going into the season." Kester is hopeful her club can rejuvenate and redirect itself during the offseason.

"We have some girls giving 110 percent and other who are behind that," she said. "We have to play year around and work hard in the offseason. We want to come back and be able to compete in the LVC. Our girls will have to rededicate themselves, so we can get back to a force in the conference."