A great season by Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s girls’ tennis team meant it was only fitting that the All-Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools selections would feature sophomore Elvie Sellers as well as junior Ria Khandpur.

In a very talented field of players, Sellers impressed coaches around the conference enough to earn one of six spots on the All-TCIS first team for singles players.

“I was pretty excited when they said that I received first team all-conference, especially since I didn’t really know what that was at first,” Sellers said. “It was a pretty big deal, and I was pretty proud to be up there with all the other top schools.”

Three players from Cape Henry Collegiate School made the first team, as well as two from Norfolk Academy, and both teams were among the top Division I schools in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association this year.

Hampton Roads Academy, the eventual Division II state champion, also had talented players considered, including junior Joyce Fields.

When NSA coach Lindsay Raulston heard of Sellers’ selection, she said, “I was very excited. It was a good thing she beat Joyce Fields in our conference match against HRA.”

Sellers finished with a 13-5 singles record for 2014.

“I think the coaches that saw her were impressed by her competitiveness. They could tell she hustles for every point,” Raulston said. “She has all the strokes, and she’s really dedicated to the sport.”

This was one of Sellers’ first two all-conference tennis honors after she missed last year due to a dislocated shoulder. She also received 2014 all-conference second team recognition as a doubles player with Ria Khandpur.

“I was really proud of them,” Raulston said. “I think they started off the season a little shaky. They definitely peaked at the end of the season.”

She said their communication improved and their level of aggressiveness became elevated, too.

Sellers and Khandpur finished 2014 with a 12-5 doubles record.