Shah's goals remain high

LECANTO -- Nisha Shah likes lofty goals.

Before the season, the Lecanto sophomore set out to win every match 6-0, 6-0. In the back of her mind, she knew it would be impossible, but figured she could use the motivation.

"I put my hopes up high," Shah said. "Even if I don't reach them, I come close."

The 5-foot-2 Shah has lost several games this spring. But she has yet to lose a match or set at No. 2 singles. She also is unbeaten at No. 2 doubles, where she plays with Ashley Campbell. For Lecanto, competing today-Thursday in the Class 2A State Tournament in Tampa, no player has been more valuable.

"Not to lose a set is pretty strong for a No. 2 player," Panthers coach Joan Roberts said. "She's a scrappy little thing."

Success is nothing new for Shah.

While helping lead Lecanto to a third-place finish at state last spring, she went 16-2, won district and regional titles at No. 4 singles, advanced to the second round at state and earned Times All-Citrus/Hernando honors. In each of her 2001 victories, Shah won in straight sets.

During the offseason, she set out to improve.

She hit the courts, and the weightroom, in hopes of refining her skills and improving her strength. It worked. Shah is 15-0 in singles.

"I'm much better this year," Shah said. "My mental game has improved. Last year was my first time playing high school matches. This year, I had the experience and I became a lot stronger physically. I was sort of weak, but now I can hit the ball a little harder."

Shah is strong on the baseline and at the net. Her serve is consistent, and Roberts said the straight-A student is a smart player.

"She's patient and works the point," Roberts said. "She's conditioned enough to do that. And she can analyze her opponent's weaknesses. She's got really good groundstrokes and is aggressive at the net. If she has a downside, it's that she's short. But she moves very well and she understands positioning on the court."

In Lecanto's 4-3 regional victory over Gainesville Eastside last Friday, Shah defeated Tammy Ju 6-2, 6-1 in singles, then teamed with Campbell to beat Sara DeThomasis and Julie Roseman at No. 2 doubles, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4. The latter match broke a 3-3 tie and sent Lecanto to its fifth straight state tournament.

"I've never had that much pressure," Shah said. "I was so happy when we won. I've never been that happy about a tennis match before."

Shah hopes to move into the No. 1 spot next year and go unbeaten again.

"That's something I'll really have to work for," Shah said. "I'll try my best, just like I did this year."

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