At Hamilton Southeastern High School, girls varsity tennis practice for moments that don’t last very long, but feel like they do.

During a tiebreak, everything gets quieter. The score overwhelms the game and there’s no time to think about the last point or what’s coming next, just the next shot.

For HSE varsity tennis player Ella Tappendorf, that pressure is what makes tiebreaks so difficult.

“I feel like the mentality of it is the hardest part because it’s a very tight point,” Tappendorf said.

Even though it’s intense, players try not to overcomplicate it. Instead of focusing on the score, they go back to what they’ve practiced over and over again.

“I would just say focus on the point, try to forget that you’re in a tie break. I recommend to focus on your shots.”

On the sidelines, the team stays just as locked in. Teammates watch every game and they encourage their teammates by cheering them up and keeping the energy bright, especially when it matters most.

“A lot of what we do is just kind of cheer people on during tie breaks.”