Port Clinton girls tennis headed to Cincinnati

Port Clinton looks for good competition anywhere it goes. Through various fundraisers and with celebrating 50 years of girls tennis at the high school in September, the Redskins are headed to Cincinnati. Port Clinton left Sunday and will return Tuesday evening. While there, the Redskins will take on Division I Cincinnati Seton on Monday before taking in some professional tennis at the Cincinnati Open. The 3 1/2 hour trip gives PC a chance to bond even closer as the season gets underway. "This is one of the exciting things we have planned to commemorate the occasion," PC coach Joe Miller said. "It gives our varsity girls a chance to watch the highest level of tennis at the Cincinnati Open and play great competition against Cincinnati Seton." Miller said Seton was the first school they reached out to in Cincinnati. Seton competes in the Girls Greater Catholic League along with heavyweights like Mercy McAuley, Mount Notre Dame, St. Ursula and Ursuline Academy. "It's an enormous challenge," Miller said. "Seton is a Division I private all-girls school with a great program. With the experienced group of girls we have this year, it's important that they're exposed to other top talent early and often." The Redskins are off to a great start this season. Port Clinton defeated Norwalk on Friday in an Ohio Tennis Coaches Association match before taking second at the Norwalk Invitational on Saturday. The group is excited to see the Cincinnati Open. The two top players on the men's and women's sides — Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for the men and Aryna Sabalenka and American Coco Gauff — are all in the draw. The Cincinnati Open serves as one of the final tournaments before the U.S. Open gets underway in New York in two weeks. Miller hopes it's not the last trip Port Clinton makes down south this fall. "So excited. We should get to see some of the top players in the world," Miller said. "They're all there. We've got tickets for center court and even have a time set up to get a picture on the court. We hope to return to the same complex in October, because the state tournament is back in Cincinnati this year." Senior Grace Arnold played on the center court her freshman year in the doubles draw when the state tournament was in Cincinnati. Miller said the tremendous community support has also helped fund the trip. "Our program is dedicated to creating moments and memories that our players will never forget," Miller said. "That's what matters. We've got a close knit group, but opportunities like this can bring them even closer. "These girls just absolutely love tennis, so I'm sure it will be an unforgettable couple of days."