While things did not go exactly as planned for Emily Mathis at the state tennis meet last weekend, the Marcus senior said she was happy with her performance, and is looking forward to going back next season.
Mathis lost in the quarterfinals to Heather Steinbauer of Conroe Woodlands College Park, 6-1, 6-4. Steinbauer went on to win the state championship in the girls singles competition.
"I thought that I played pretty well," Mathis said. "I was thinking that I was going to get killed in that match, because that girl is really good, but it was closer than I thought, so I was happy with that."
Steinbauer was not scored upon in the state semifinals or finals, winning both matches by scores of 6-0, 6-0.
Mathis said the whole experience of going to state was great for her as well.
"It was really fun, because I went my freshman year with Pavi (Francis), but I didn’t get to play," Mathis said. "It was great getting to go this year and knowing it was for me."
Mathis said she is optimistic about her chances next year and said she feels that a state title is within the realm of possibility.
"I just need to keep working hard," Mathis said. "I was very nervous. I think if I had gone into it more positively and not as nervous ... I think it affected the match.
"Next year, I want to win state," she said.