The Emmaus girls tennis team has experienced success this season, and its coach says it has almost everything to do with consistency.

“I challenged the team in the beginning of the season to try and get better everyday,” said coach Robert Dragotta. “The Emmaus girls are very coachable and athletic. I am pleased with their efforts.”

Dragotta certainly approves of his three singles players - Mia Columbus, Jocelyn Chow and Misa Hollinger. All three girls have elevated their games.

Columbus steamrolled Pottsville’s Ave Strauss 6-0, 6-0 in a Sept. 14 match. Five days later, Columbus was pressed by Whitehall’s Natalia Pedroza in a superb matchup. Columbus took a tight first set 6-4, but Pedroza rebounded 4-6, setting up a dramatic third set. Columbus got out in front, broke Pedroza’s serve and won in a solid 6-3 performance.

Chow disposed of Pottsville’s Naomi Brode 6-0, 6-0, and handily beat Whitehall’s Noel Yacoup 6-1, 6-2. On Sept. 14, Hollinger shut down, and shutout Pottsville’s Ella Adams 6-0, 6-0.

The Green Hornets faced a tough test against one of the East Penn Conference’s best teams, Parkland, Sept. 17. The Lady Trojans proved too much in defeating the Green Hornets 6-1.

“We were glad to play Parkland and congratulate them on their great season,” Dragotta said. “You can only get better by playing better players. We played competitive points with them and won at third doubles.”

That third doubles match featured Payton McGlory and Ivory Gao, who won a thrilling 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (10-8) match over Parkland’s Sophia Lee and Maya Paul.

Emmaus also came up short against a quality Southern Lehigh squad Sept. 16. But this season has been a superb one for the Green Hornets. When asked to single out one player who has really exceeded expectations, Dragotta couldn’t pick just one.

“The entire team has really improved,” he said. “Every player has different skills and abilities. All of our players have added to their strengths and improved their weaknesses.”

He said tennis is a mental game and his players are learning that aspect along with the physical aspects of the game.

“Especially learning how to problem solve each opponent’s game and at the same time keeping your own game under control,” Dragotta said. “All of our players have improved in the mental game of tennis.”

The postseason is around the corner, and Dragotta hopes his team continues to learn lessons that will last beyond high school.

“Tennis is a lifetime journey, not just a high school sport,” he said. “You can learn a lot about life and yourself playing sports. I hope in the postseason that we continue to improve and compete.”