In a season filled with ups and downs for the Bonney Lake High School girls tennis team, junior Alise McCoy stood as a bright spot.

Playing No. 1 singles for the Panthers, McCoy lost only one match the entire season and earned a spot in the state tennis tournament, the first Panther tennis player to do so.

“I think it’s a huge blessing and just kind of fun,” said the soft-spoken McCoy last week as she reflected on her season and her trip to state.

Though her appearance in the state tournament did not go as well as hoped – McCoy was bounced out in straight sets – she credits BLHS coach Billy Jacobsen with helping her toughen her mental game and move the ball around more this season.

With a successful season behind her, McCoy plans to work hard, return to state next year and go even further.

McCoy, 18, began playing tennis in seventh grade, following in the footsteps of her sister Emily, with whom she played doubles last year before Emily graduated.

“She’s kind of the one who started the trend in our family,” McCoy said, also citing her brother Joshua, who also played for Bonney Lake before graduating in 2007.

The McCoys were a top doubles team in each of the past two seasons, making it to within a game of the state tournament each year before their seasons ended with a loss at districts.

“I think we broke down mentally,” McCoy said.

This year, however, playing singles, McCoy bested a rival in the district tournament after losing to her in the subdistricts, though the ever-modest McCoy was quick to add that her opponent was ill during their second meeting.

“She’s a great player and a sweet girl so I felt bad for her, but that’s a blessing for me,” she said.

This year, as captain of a team that did not contain any seniors, McCoy worked with Jacobsen to not get thrown off by mistakes and to focus on having fun while playing the game.

“Billy really emphasized that it’s a sport I’m enjoying,” she said. “I wanted to show (my teammates) through my actions it’s a game to enjoy.”

Jacobsen also worked with her to move the ball around the court more, forcing opponents on their heels or trying to catch them off guard at one end of the court, which she referred to as “more logical tennis.”

“He helps me think more about placement,” she said.

McCoy also said she thought her speed on the court provided an advantage, something Jacobsen agreed with.

“She’s the fastest girl out there,” Jacobsen said. “If you have that you can go a long way.”

But despite working on her mental game, McCoy said she was overwhelmed by the state tournament, which contributed to her early exit.

But now that she knows what to expect, she plans to head back next year with a new forehand and a new serve that she and Jacobsen worked on toward the end of the season.

“I’d like to be more confident in those,” she said.

McCoy plans to play some tennis in the offseason, but unlike many of her opponents, she does not play for a club team, spending her time running cross country (she qualified for the state meet in the fall) and keeping busy at school with National Honor Society and as a member of the Leo Club.

Jacobsen said they worked on McCoy’s backhand some this spring – when the weather would let them on the court – and he sees great possibilities for next season.

“She has a lot of potential and I think she can be top five next year,” he said.

But when the season comes around again next spring, McCoy will be back out with racquet in hand and more confidence to begin the march back toward the state tournament and if she make it again next year, she is ready.

“I can focus on staying calm, relaxed and enjoy my time there,” she said.