Senior Talia Baca is the No. 1 player for the Ankeny Centennial girls’ tennis team. She won both of her matches on Monday to help the Jaguars defeat visiting Des Moines Roosevelt, 8-3, for their first victory of the season.
Baca posted a 6-2, 2-6, 1-0 (4) win over Lillian From to improve her singles record to 3-1. She then teamed up with Ella Sutherland for a 6-3, 6-1 triumph over From and Charlotte Kelderman at No. 1 doubles.
Here is some inside info on Baca:
You opened the season on Aug. 7 with a three-set victory over Dubuque Hempstead’s Ivy Hoden. After dropping the first set by 6-1, what adjustments did you make in order to turn the match around?
I started to think about how I can build the points as well as what was working for me and what I needed to change.
Your only loss in singles thus far came later that day to Iowa City West’s Grace Wang, who was a state doubles qualifier a year ago. How do you think you played against her?
I think I played well. We had good points and long rallies. I felt like I learned a lot from playing such a good player and think it helps me grow as a player during this season.
You’ve been playing doubles this season with Ella after playing with Samara Peterson and Kalyani Bhat last year. Does it take awhile to develop some chemistry with a new partner?
It can take time, but I have known and been on a team with these girls for some time. Because of that it is easier to build a connection.
Do you prefer singles or doubles? Why?
I prefer singles. I have more experience with singles. I like that it’s faster paced and requires more movement than doubles.
Goals for this season?
My goal is to keep improving with my game through my wins and losses.
You were a state singles qualifier as a freshman in 2024, when girls’ tennis was still a spring sport. Do you think the move to a fall sport last year has been a good one?
I think it was a good decision. It allows us to play more sports during the spring.
What has been the best thing about playing in the fall instead of the spring?
The weather has been a big advantage. I also like that we can practice during the summer and go right into the school season prepared, compared to winter where it’s harder to get out and play.
Are you planning to play in college? Have you looked at any schools?
I am undecided.
What are you going to study?
I hope to go into nursing and eventually work my way into one of the many different specialties nursing has to offer.