PREP SPORTS: Girls tennis preview capsules

Chimacum/Port Townsend

Head coach: Laurie Olafson, 16th year.

Last year: 6-7

Top returners: Frances Sheldon-O’Neal, jr.; Rachel Maki, jr.; Sarah Allen, jr.

Top newcomer: An Nguyen, fr.

Player to watch: Casi Rowland, fr.

Outlook: The Chimacum/Port Townsend team doesn’t have a year-round tennis player, but should find success if the players can stay healthy and eligible.

“Lots of players new to tennis, learning and getting better and having fun,” Olafson said.

“We should win several meets but we won’t be able to handle the really strong teams.”

Port Angeles

Head coach: Stephanie Gochnour, second year.

Last year: 3-5 in Olympic League, 5-7 overall.

Top returners: Callie Peet, sr.; Hannah Little, jr.; McKenna Thompson, jr.

Top newcomer: Audrey Little, fr.; Carter Juskevich, so.; Madison Drew, sr.

Player to watch: Callie Peet.

The senior singles player made districts last year and will be eyeing a state berth this season.

Outlook: The Roughriders have a lot of first-time tennis players and will likely have a similar league finish as last year.

“I have a great group of girls this year. They encourage each other and are ready to learn and do their best at each practice,” Gochnour said.

“I expect to be about where we were last year, which was in the middle of the Olympic League, but I have a few girls that could really surprise us this year.”

Audrey Little, a freshman, has already moved into the Riders’ top six or seven.

Sequim

Head coach: Justine Wagner, first year.

Last year: Did not report.

Top returners: Melanie Guan, sr.; Karen Chan, so.; Hannah Gauthun, jr.

Top newcomer: Too early to tell.

Player to watch: Heidi Stallman, sr.; Maggie Christie, sr.

Outlook: The Wolves’ biggest strength is experience, with many senior having been with the program for four years.

“Keys to success for us will be showing up ready to play and focusing on each point,” Wagner said.

“My expectations for the season are fairly high. I am hoping we can have a successful run in league.”

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