Girls tennis previews
Experienced players, new coach at Triton
The Glenn, Triton and Laville high school girls tennis teams are scheduled to begin their regular seasons this week. The weather may delay some of those plans, but whenever the first matches finally do take place, it will be a welcome sight after seeing last season completely scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are previews for this year’s squads from those three schools
First week tourney at Glenn
The spectrum of experience among the girls out for the Glenn team is wide, but head coach Gavin Mcneeley is happy nevertheless.
“This team is a tremendous group of young ladies who support one another and are a joy to coach,” said Mcneeley. “Some of these girls picked up a racquet for the first time this year, but are making great progress so far. Losing four varsity seniors from last year has changed the dynamic of this team, but the current seniors and juniors are stepping up and working hard to fill those spots. The girls are learning fast and almost all are playing new positions, but are they are strong enough to be competitive and successful.”
Returning letterwinners include seniors Emma Romer, Ashleigh Bolze and Alexandra Flaharty, plus junior Jessica Yelaska. Newcomers to watch are sophomores Olivia Norem and Brooke Vermillion, plus freshmen Helen Guseilla, Kaylee Hensler, and Kailee Kulp.
Former head coach Jill Groves is assisting Mcneeley once again this year.
“I am very blessed to have someone as experienced and positive as her supporting our program,” Mcneeley said.
The Lady Falcons were supposed to play their first match yesterday at Plymouth. The Glenn Invitational is this Saturday. The team is also part of the Bremen Tournament on April 24. The NIC Tournament is slated for April 28-29.
Adam Heckaman is taking over the girls program at Triton.
“I’m excited to start my first year with the girls tennis program after losing last season to covid,” said Heckaman, who has been the head girls basketball coach for the past 13 years and will be assisted by Lana Hostrawser, Holly Sellers and Jeremy Hepler. “We have a strong core of seniors back with experience and I look forward to the leadership they will be able to provide to our underclassmen.”
Those senior returnees include Molly Mcfarland, Emma Hepler, Lexia Hostrawser, Madeline Ritchison and Lilly Hubert. Newcomers to watch for are freshmen Cheyenne Hawley, Jenna Bules and Danica Kuntz.
“I’m not exactly sure what to expect overall, but I’m looking forward to the experience we have returning and am excited to see the growth we will make throughout the season,” added Heckaman.
The team’s first match was Wednesday against North Judson (a 3-2 win). Next up is a Hoosier North Athletic Conference match with Knox at home on Monday.
Laville returns one senior
The Laville team returns just one letterwinner, senior team captain and likely No. 1 singles player Ally Maenhout.
There will be two other seniors on the team, newcomers Becka Bower (singles) and Alaina Kertai (doubles). Others making a push for varsity time include juniors Megan Kurzhal, Makenna Tribbey and Lauren Dove, as well as sophomore Elaina Franz. The rest of the roster includes junior Olivia Krueger, sophomore Lauren Hominiuk and freshmen Jolie Gonzalez, Makayla Johnson and Annabelle Miller.
Laville opens its season Saturday at the John Glenn Invitational. The first home match is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, against Rochester. The Lady Lancers will host a “Pink Match” on April 21 to honor those battling or who have lost the fight against breast cancer.