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05/23/2018 12:00 AMJenna Pane earned the nod to play No. 1 singles for the East Haven girls’ tennis team as a freshman, and she’s been holding things down at that position ever since. Jenna was nervous when she first stepped on the court, but throughout the past three seasons, she’s adapted well to playing the top spot in the singles lineup. Now a junior, Jenna is having a great year and recently qualified for the State Open Tournament.
“At first, I was nervous about it. You always think you’re going to get judged being given that spot, but I knew I’d have to work for it,” says Jenna. “The team made me feel really comfortable. The seniors were really friendly, so everything was alright, so I ended up not being nervous once I started playing.”
Jenna has a record of 12-7 this spring and is the first athlete at East Haven to qualify for the State Open as a No. 1 singles player in a long time, according to girls’ tennis Head Coach Dave Oshana. The coach says that Jenna’s mixture of attributes on the court play a huge part in her success.
“Jenna has a strong forehand and excellent footwork. This combination allows her to chase down and attack many shots,” Oshana says. “She also has good stamina and strength, which she uses to handle long matches.”
Jenna consistently grinds out victories in marathon three-setters. One of Jenna’s biggest strengths is using her ball-striking skills on the baseline to force her opponent into making mistakes.
“I would describe myself as more of a baseline hitter. My forehand is my best strength and, because I’m in shape, it’s easier for me to get to harder balls,” says Jenna. “I like to wait for the other person to mess up.”
Jenna is a left-hander and she believes that gives her an edge. Being a lefty, Jenna is constantly hitting to her opponent’s backhand throughout a match.
“Usually for girls, their backhand is weaker. For me, it’s easier to hit a shot cross court, so if I’m getting a forehand shot, it goes to their backhand,” Jenna says. “It’s harder to hit a backhand down the line, because the net is a little higher straight ahead, so it gives me a little bit of an advantage.”
Jenna is one of East Haven’s two captains and is the team’s lone junior captain this season. Coach Oshana says that everyone on the Yellowjackets looks up to Jenna, who enjoys being in that leadership role.
“I think it motivates me to work harder every day. People are looking up to me regardless of age. Because everybody is looking up to me, I’m trying my best to set an example,” she says. “It’s just about keeping a positive attitude and positive vibes throughout a match. Even if we’re playing a hard team, it’s about motivating everyone to do their best and win as many games as they can get.”
During the fall season, Jenna plays both center and outside midfielder for East Haven’s girls’ soccer squad. Jenna liked working with first-year Head Coach Jake Hackett and was happy to play wherever he felt she was the best fit for the team.
“Getting a new coach is nerve-wracking, but I liked Coach Jake, because he took every person individually into account as a player,” Jenna says. “As long as I was able to prove myself, he would find the right spot for me.”