T.F. South tennis duo have high expectations

T.F. South girls tennis coach Clinton Scott calls his top two singles players his "rocks."

At Nos. 1 and 2 singles, junior Andriana Johnson and sophomore Jessica Gomez were first and second respectively in the South Suburban Conference last season.

With the success from last year comes the confidence in each player's abilities, as well as leadership heading into this season.

"I believe with these two as our leaders we definitely have a good shot at the (South Suburban Blue) conference title," Scott said. "We came close last year. With Andriana and Jessica as our leaders I expect us to compete for the title."

Thanks to starts at an early age -- Johnson since she was 9 years old and Gomez since she was 7 or 8 -- comes a love of the game.

Both practice three hours a day -- except Sunday -- and found that there are ways they can help their teammates.

"Sometimes we play doubles against our doubles teams," Gomez said. "That helps them against other schools teams."

Johnson said they just try to encourage their teammates, showing those leadership abilities that Scott feels they have. While both saw success last year, they have higher goals for this year.

Johnson is eyeing a trip to the state meet in the northwest suburbs.

"I made it to one round short of going last year," said Johnson, who lost in the sectional. "This year I want to make it there."

Gomez's goal is different.

"I want to win conference," Gomez said.