ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, April 3, 1997 TAG: 9704030020
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM THE ROANOKE TIMES
The Indians' sophomore sensation has added power to her game in her quest for the Group AA title.
Blacksburg's Yasamina Hilu surprised everyone by finishing second in last year's Group AA tennis tournament as a freshman.
The biggest shock was reserved for Poquoson's Andrea Hunter, who was upset about being upset in three sets by Hilu in the semifinals.
``I wasn't prepared to play someone who played like that,'' Hunter said after the match. ``That was like 12-and-under and this was 16-and-under. I was totally off guard when I started playing 12-year-old tennis again.''
Hunter was also a freshman and she indicated there would be little chance she would come back for revenge. ``I probably won't play high school tennis again until I'm a senior,'' she said.
Too bad for Hunter. The new-and-improved Hilu might give her what she wants and more. Instead of using a baseline strategy, Hilu has added power to her game. She is set on winning what she didn't last year when she lost to Western Albemarle's Meghan Mahan 6-0, 6-0 in the state final.
``I've been lifting weights and working on my upper-body strength,'' Hilu said. ``It wasn't really suggested. My dad [Khidir] and I realized I needed to do this.
``I'm not as defensive as I was last spring. I'm more offensive. I've noticed lots of difference. I'm able to handle people who hit harder a lot easier now.''
Hilu has watched Mahan in Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association events and welcomes the challenge of playing catch up.
``I'd like to get back to the state and take the title,'' she said. ``In losing, it gave me a goal to work for.''
Dave Petersen, the assistant principal at Blacksburg who coached boys' and girls' tennis at Salem for many years, has taken an interest in the Indians' fortunes. He also suggested Hilu add some muscle to compete with the better players.
``Yasamina has fallen in love with [tennis],'' Petersen said. ``Her game has developed. She's a competitor. She hates to lose. It doesn't matter whether it's marbles, ping pong or tennis.''
Blacksburg coach Jennifer Buckley has seen a big difference.
``She's focused on strengthening her game,'' Buckley said. ``Yasamina is a lot more confident, perfecting her shots and working on new shots. I definitely think she can play with [Mahan]. She hadn't played her before. Now she knows what to expect.
``She's mentally tough and she'll be more prepared mentally as well as physically with her game.''
Hilu's background proves she can accomplish much. She's an honors level student and plays clarinet in the school symphonic band.
``I really enjoy the symphonic band,'' Hilu said. ``The conductor [Dr. Diana Love] has been a guiding force. I try to practice four or five times a week for a half hour, but tennis takes up a lot of time.''
Hilu's tennis practices goes beyond when she's finished with the team at 5:30 p.m. Then it's dad's turn to tutor.
``My dad gives me a lot of instruction,'' Hilu said. ``He watches my game. He can tell me what I need to change.''
Buckley, Peterson and Dad are only part of Hilu's advisory staff. Louie Belt, a pro at Blacksburg Country Club, hits with Hilu often, and Fred Rallins of Roanoke Country Club gives her lessons.
Petersen said he never expected anyone as young as Hilu to make the state final, though three of the final four were either freshmen or sophomores.
``Once things got rolling, she was playing, learning what she needed to do to win. She learns very quickly, takes advice and doesn't forget it,'' Petersen said.
``She doesn't make the same mistake twice very often. That makes her tough. Her biggest disadvantage is her size [5 feet, 3 inches]. She's not very tall. She has to make up for some of that with her work ethic and in determination.
``Being stronger, she can hit it a lot harder. Last year, her serve was a liability. Now she has a solid serve. She has the strength to put some heat on it this year.''
``With her determination, she can go anywhere she wants [in tennis],'' Buckley said. ``She's already playing in [MATA] tournaments, so she can go on the circuit and play anywhere in college. Her family is so supportive and do whatever they can do for her. But it comes from her. It's something she wants to do.''
If Hilu wins state, she'll be chased the next two years.
``It's like gunfighters in the old west,'' Petersen said. ``There is still someone out there you might not beat by outhitting. So we've talked to Yasamina about understanding the situation and adapting to it.''
For that reason, the lob is still there.
``There was a girl who was tall and could volley,'' Petersen said. ``So Yasamina went over the top and the other girl fell apart.''
The lob will still be waiting if Hunter comes back for another try.
LENGTH: Medium: 94 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: GENE DALTON THE ROANOKE TIMES. Blacksburg's Yasaminaby CNBHilu has more than simply a lob-and-volley game now. Her many
coaches have helped her improve.