Sophomore McKenna Foley Off to Strong Start for Pioneers

McKenna Foley has yet to lose a match – or even a set – in four matches so far this season in the #2 singles spot for the Hill-Murray girl’s tennis team. The sophomore has dominated opponents from St. Anthony Village, St. Paul Central and White Bear Lake, only dropping 5 games in those three matches.

McKenna’s toughest test came on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Visitation. She was down 1-5 in the first set and was understandably frustrated, but McKenna wasn’t about to give up.

“I told myself I do not want to lose this game; I have to win,” McKenna said. “I stayed consistent and did not get down on myself. I started driving the ball into corners and made sure I had power behind my shots.”  

McKenna’s mental toughness and on-court tactics resulted in her reeling off 11 straight games. She went on to win the first set, 7-5, and eventually the match, 7-5, 6-1. She improved her overall record this season to 4-0. Her winning ways have helped the Pioneers to a 2-2 record.

“I’m very proud of McKenna’s perseverance,” said Hill-Murray tennis coach Andy Skoogman. “She obviously didn’t start the Visitation match the way she wanted to, but midway through, she figured it out, and found a way to finish strong. That’s the type of resiliency we’re trying to instill in every player in our program. McKenna that day led the way.”

The Pioneers visit Mounds Park Academy on September 6th and open Metro East Conference play on September 8th at Two Rivers.