United and Unstoppable: Marian Tennis Eyes Strong Regional Run

After a strong showing at the Catholic High School League Finals, the Marian tennis team is carrying momentum, confidence, and a close-knit team culture into the regional tournament on May 13. With multiple flight championships and one of the program’s strongest postseason performances in recent years, the Mustangs are embracing the challenge ahead against some of the top teams in the state.

Head coach Olivia Underwood emphasized how impressed she was with the team’s effort and competitiveness throughout the CHSL Finals, calling it one of the most successful finishes since taking over the program. Marian had three flights reach the finals — the most the team has had in several years — and each one delivered under pressure. Gwen Slapak captured the title at fourth singles, while Marian also earned championships at second doubles and fourth doubles.

The victories came one after another, creating an atmosphere of energy and support that fueled the entire team throughout the day. As each flight finished with a win, teammates rallied around the players still competing, helping push Marian to an impressive finish.

What stood out most to Underwood, however, was the way the players competed together. Every flight battled with intensity until the final point, showing resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Whether on the court or cheering from the sidelines, the Mustangs consistently supported one another from start to finish.

That togetherness has become one of the defining traits of this year’s team. According to Underwood, the chemistry within the group developed almost immediately at the start of the season. The team quickly built a culture centered around respect, accountability, encouragement, and healthy competition — something she credits largely to the leadership of senior captains Caroline Torok, Emerson Turkot, and Allegra Curis.

The three seniors have helped guide the team in different ways, leading both through their play and by the example they set every day. Their leadership has inspired younger players throughout the lineup and helped create what Underwood described as a “servant leadership” mentality across the program.

Now, Marian turns its attention to regionals, where the competition only gets tougher. The Mustangs will face one of the strongest regional fields in the state on May 13, featuring powerhouse programs like Detroit Country Day School and Cranbrook Kingswood. Marian battled Detroit Country Day to a 4-4 tie earlier this season and defeated Cranbrook Kingswood 6-2, giving the team confidence heading into postseason play.

The Mustangs also gained momentum with strong performances Monday against Eisenhower, another top Division 1 opponent, earning several key wins before regionals begin.

In practice this week, the focus has been on sharpening the small details while continuing to build confidence. Underwood believes the team is in a strong position and now needs to trust the work it has put in all season long.

Mental toughness will also play a major role. Tennis can be emotionally demanding, especially during the postseason, and the Mustangs know confidence will be critical in close matches. The message to the team entering regionals has remained consistent: trust the preparation, compete with grit, support one another, and enjoy the opportunity they’ve earned.

With strong leadership, deep team chemistry, and momentum from the CHSL Finals, Marian enters regionals prepared to compete at a high level. No matter the draw, the Mustangs believe their togetherness and competitive spirit can carry them far into the postseason.