LV girls tennis team about to hold court
LAKEVLLE — The Laville High School girls tennis team is antsy to get the 2022 season started.
“We’re ready and excited to get on the courts and compete,” said ninth-year head coach Melissa Haisley in an interview on the school’s athletic website.
They better be because the season gets off to a quick start with five competitions over eight days, including two invitationals, beginning with Saturday’s Glenn Invitational.
“The girls are ready to achieve greatness - whether that’s winning conference, sectionals, or taking it day by day and winning the small things at practice to get them where they want to be,” added Haisley, who is assisted by 2015 LV valedictorian and three-sport athlete Kaitlyn Howard.
The Lady Lancer lineup will include four returning letterwinners: seniors Lauren Dove, Megan Kurzhal and Makenna Tribbey, along with junior Elaina Franz.
Newcomers to watch are seniors Olivia Krueger and Leonie Mueller, juniors Lauren Hominiuk and Annabelle Miller, sophomore Makayla Johnson and freshman Sydnee Miller.
The initial singles lineup is looking like Kurzhal at No. 1, Franz No. 2 and Miller at No. 3.
“Megan (Kurzhal) has plenty of experience at singles as she was our No. 3 last season,” said Haisley. “She made it to the HNAC championship where she placed second. Elaina (Franz) is moving into a new position this year coming from No. 2 doubles last year. She’s shown a lot of improvement and we believe success will follow. Annabelle (Miller) is taking on a new position as our No. 3 singles. She has worked very hard and is going to continue to grow.”
The top doubles pairing will be the same as last year - Dove and Tribbey - who went 10-3 during the regular season a year ago.
“They had a very successful, winning season last year,” continued Haisley. “These two continue to improve and have conference and sectional goals in mind.”
Olivia Krueger and Lauren Hominiuk will get the first shot at the No. 2 doubles spot.
“Olivia and Lauren are a new duo this year,” Haisley said. “They are consistent and continue to show they are ready to win at the varsity level.”
If today’s invite gets postponed/cancelled due to the poor weather forecast, the team will start its season at home on Monday against Glenn.