Girls tennis returns experienced squad

Eleven players return to the Lady Outlaws 2008 tennis team and several have high expectations for the season ahead.

Seniors Ashlee Garau and Tori Miller (No. 1 doubles) have hopes of making it to the state tournament, and, according to Coach Marti Dale, they have a great chance of accomplishing their goal.

"Both Ashlee and Tori are starting the season with match experience which gives them mental and tactical strength. They will have solid and strong serving this year, giving them the advantage to control their game from the start," said Dale.

Garau and Miller have been hitting in the off season and attended a tennis camp this past summer. Their goal is to become a more experienced, competitive doubles team this season.

Seniors Tori Carlson and Nicole Veloso will play No. 2 doubles. Veloso is a very consistent player and steady at the baseline, and Carlson is a very aggressive player at the net. Carlson and Veloso will continue to develop their game, should have no problem making it to district and have a good chance of earning a berth to the state tourney.

Juniors Bethany Backman (No. 1 singles) and Sara Brown (No. 2 singles) are very solid players and have spent time working on their game in the off season.

Dale stated that both Backman and Brown will easily make it to districts.

Sophomore Maddie Green will play No. 3 singles this season. Other returning players include Tiffany Bigelow, Taylor Deguidice, Rita Gonzales and Bailey Showalter.

Dale told The Nugget that, in addition to the returning players, many new players have joined the squad this year.

"Our new players bring athleticism, an eagerness to learn and a competitive spirit," said Dale. "We're very excited about coaching this team. I'm certain this team will be underestimated by many and will give surprise results."

The tennis team starts their season with no injuries and will continue their injury prevention training plan that was so successful last year.

The Lady Outlaws will face the Stayton Eagles in their first match of the season on March 18, at Black Butte Ranch, with the one condition that the snow that still covers the courts is gone.