Central seniors Edmonds, Lazarova find both friendship, state tournament

Central seniors Christen Edmonds and Kristi Lazarova both admit they weren't close friends away from the tennis court last year.

But as they became closer off the court, they saw their performance on it steadily improve. Now they're headed to the Class 2 state tournament today and Saturday at the Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield.

"The difference between last year and this year, we didn't play as well together," Edmonds said. "We didn't really hang out and it was just an on-court thing. We were there just to play and get it over with. This year, we actually hang out together outside the court. I think that makes a bigger difference. You know how they act on and off the court, so you know what to say to them."

Both players pointed to their communication as the biggest difference this year. Since they know each other better, they know how to boost the other one's morale during a match.

"I could tell when she was upset or she could tell when I was upset because we were hanging out so much," Lazarova said. "We just kind of knew each other's personality and how to help each other on the court."

The two players complement each other on the court. They're able to play to each other's strengths to maximize their effectiveness.

"I like to be really aggressive and go for the winners," Lazarova said. "Those crazy points, I like to do them a lot. I don't like to be consistent very much. I like to finish off a point and hit a good shot.

"Christen, she can get to every ball, which is awesome. She's very consistent and she knows when to be aggressive. She's really good at being consistent and getting everything back."

Their strategy has worked well, as they posted a 16-2 record together at No. 1 doubles. While they've enjoyed the success, neither one expected it.

"Coming into the season, we figured we would play together, but we thought it would be a lot like last year," Edmonds said. "But we talked about it and we were like it's our senior year.

"We didn't not get along last year, but we decided we wanted to go as far as we could. We wanted to try to get to state, and we thought the best way would be through doubles. We started hanging out more and we both wanted to go to state to say we went there."

Even their road to the state tournament caught them by surprise. They defeated Jackson's Erinne Haff and Alison Keiper in the Class 2 District 2 semifinal round to earn a trip to state.

"That match got us to be able to go to state, so we were kind of relaxed," Edmonds said. "So the final match, we just hit the ball. There was no pressure because we already were in a good position."

The Central team played relaxed and ended up winning the district title by beating Eureka's Lindy McBratney and Marcia Klopf in three sets, including 7-6 (12-10) in the final set.

"That was one of the best tennis moments ever because that was always our goal to do that," Lazarova said. "When we started off the season, that was our goal. It was awesome to finally do it. Playing at state, that's a big deal because it's the best girls."

Now the Central team will try to carry that same relaxed attitude to the state tournament. Getting to the state tournament was the season goal, so Lazarova said she feels no pressure to bring home a medal. That's not to say she wouldn't like to earn some hardware.

"For me, I think it is just icing on the cake," she said. "That was my goal. I wasn't sure if we were going to do it, but we did. From here on out, I just want to do my best. ... If we get something, that's even better. But I'm out there to have fun."

And since it comes during their senior year, it's even more special for the duo.

"Previous years, I didn't really know much about it at all," Edmonds said. "Especially being a senior and knowing what's going on, I think it's really exciting."