Girls tennis returns seasoned players

The Lady Outlaws tennis team returns 11 veteran players, and they have high hopes for the season ahead.

Seniors Elise Herron, Jen Houk, Becky Thomas, Lauren Rudinsky, Nicole Webb and Chloe Stein and juniors Paige Tosello and Shelbi Thompson will anchor the solid Sisters squad and bring experience and leadership to the team.

Herron and Houk will be the Outlaws' No. 1 doubles players. The duo made it to the first round of state last year and they have been practicing on the indoor courts, working hard on perfecting their fundamentals.

"These girls play well together, and this will be their fourth year playing doubles together," said Coach Marti Dale. "They communicate well and are a very balanced team. Elise is good at baseline shots and Jen plays great at the net and will put it away whenever she can. Elise and Jens' strength will be their experience, and they will definitely be competitive. They know what they need to do to make it back to state."

Becky Thomas will play No. 1 singles. Dale stated that Thomas is a strong baseline player and very aggressive.

"Becky wants so badly to make it to state this year, and she will give it her all to get there," said Dale.

Lauren Rudinsky and Nicole Webb will hold down the No. 2 doubles spot. Both players have played for four years and are patient players.

"These girls will keep the ball in play until they can put it away," stated Dale.

At the No. 3 doubles slot are Tosello and Thompson.

"Paige and Shelbi bring a lot of fun to the team," said Dale. "I look for them to be competitive as the season goes on. They need to refine their basic strokes, but they will definitely be a team to watch."

Stein will play No. 3 singles.

"On the court, Chloe is able to figure out her opponents' weaknesses and capitalize," said Dale.

Sophomores Savannah Spear and Hailey Carlson are back for their second season on varsity. Spear and Carlson are very athletic players and will play No. 4 doubles for the Outlaws. Dale told The Nugget that the duo is very competitive and they take risks, which help improve their game.

Sophomore Anna Peasley rounds out the returning players.

Of Peasley, Dale said, "Anna is committed to work on improving her game. She's fast and can cover the court."

Juniors Cierra Tigard and Haley Hedren will be the Outlaws' No. 1 JV players and will swing from JV to varsity. Dale noted that Tigard and Hedren will challenge their team-mates for a spot on the varsity team.

Five freshmen will join the Outlaws.

Hannah Stuwe is new to the team but has already secured the No. 2 singles spot. Stuwe comes to the team with good experience and training and is expected to be a big contributor.

"Hannah is a power hitter," said Dale. "She's fun to watch, and as she gets more experience with match play she will become more consistent and confident in her game."

Also out for the first time are Nila Lukens, Angela Todd, Dani Rudinsky and Jesse Farr-Baenziger.

"These new girls are going to bring a lot of athleticism, spirit and support to the team."