But if the season-opening Metro League girls tennis tournament is any indication, the John Burroughs junior will do just fine.
Wayne played her first two seasons of high school tennis at the No. 2 singles position behind Sahana Madala. Now playing at Johns Hopkins University, Madala was one of the state’s premier players, winning state medals all four of her seasons.
Meanwhile, Wayne was one of the most dominant No.2 singles players in the area and also shined in the state tournament. Wayne finished fourth in singles as a freshman and second in doubles last year.
Wayne looked comfortable in her new role at the Metro League Tournament on Tuesday at Westminster.
She played near flawless tennis in capturing the No. 1 flight singles title. In fact, Wayne played 16 games and won all 16. She received a first round bye and then defeated Amerie Alexander of Principia in the semifinals and Bennett Baur of MICDS in the championship by 8-0 margins.
“It felt good to finally play,†Wayne said. “I was focusing on playing smart and consistent.â€
Wayne was certainly consistent in the title match as only one of her eight games went to deuce in the no-ad format.
“I was loose out there today,†Wayne said. “I was relaxed and having fun and that is when I tend to play my best.â€
John Burroughs coach Lindsay Carlile said Wayne has taken a leadership role on a talented and deep team.
“People have talked about Allie replacing Sahana at the top of the lineup,†Carlile said. “I don’t need Allie to be Sahana. I need Allie to be Allie.
“I think Allie was in a perfect situation playing behind Sahana for two years. She learned a lot and she has grown up, both physically and with her game. She put in a ton of work and is stronger and her footwork is impeccable. She’s never afraid to step into a fight. It was a heck of a start for her.â€
The same could be said of the Bombers, who won all eight singles flights Tuesday. Other champions for the Bombers were: Mayumi Ross (2); Isabelle Hawkins (3); Emy Caruthers (4); Jun Ross (5); Blake Desai (6); Courtney Wu (7); and Audrey Purcell (8).
The doubles portion of the tournament will be played Wednesday at Westminster. Wayne and Hawkins are the top seed at the No. 1 flight.
St. Joseph's freshman Adelyn Gross is ranked in the top 20 of her age group nationally in singles and doubles.
John Burroughs junior Allie Wayne did not drop a game in winning the Metro League girls tennis tournament No. 1 singles flight Tuesday at Westminster Christian Academy in Town and Country.