Kapa’a’s Tom tops 2005 state tennis rankings

A kiss, a bunk bed, and a pair of diamond earrings are the fruits of Lyndsey Tom’s labor in tennis.

The Kapa’a High School freshman didn’t ask for much from her father, Jonathan, who rewarded her with a few gifts, after Lyndsey ended the 2005 junior tennis campaign as the state’s top performer in the girls 14-and-under division.

Tom’s rise to the top was helped out by her wins in key tournaments. In fact, she won three of the four biggest competitions of the season.

In her six contests this year, Tom took the winter sectionals in Wailuku, Maui, the summer sectionals on O’ahu, and the Hilo sectionals on O’ahu.

The 14-year-old tennis phenom also placed second in the spring sectionals on O’ahu.

“She played really well in the big tournaments,” Jonathan Tom said.

With the departure of Kaua’i’s Alex Sirois, the top girls’ tennis player last season, Tom is projected by many to slide into the top spot this year in KIF tennis.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Chas Okamoto finished the season ranked second in his age group (11-12 boys).

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.