High school preview: Girls tennis

TEAMS TO WATCH

Broughton

Coach Steve Spivey is expecting another strong year. The Capitals' (19-1) only loss was to East Chapel Hill in the eastern finals last fall.

This year, four of six starters return, and Spivey expects two of three strong freshmen to earn their keep in the top six. The top two players are sophomore Hamilton Lovett and senoir Hannah Waddell, Spivey said.

"We don't have any super, super, super stars, but we should be pretty strong at the bottom of the lineup," Spivey said.

Cardinal Gibbons

With Barbara Gamblin retiring from the coaching ranks, former Green Hope coach Andrew Tuttle takes over the helm of a team that's made strong playoff runs the past three years.

Last fall they fell in the semifinals. The year before, it was in the finals. Three years ago, they bowed out in the quarterfinals. Tuttle said the team has strong state title aspirations.

Gibbons returns four starters from last year and gains two freshmen with club tournament experience, Lauren Brooker and Allie Leonard, who will take the top two singles positions.

Chapel Hill

The Tigers return their top six starters and will be led by junior Tori Helpingstine and senior Michelle Prata.

Chapel Hill fell to Broughton last year in the second round, and Walker refused to say that his team would be good enough to beat the likes of Broughton this year, but he was optimistic nonetheless.

"I'm expecting a good season," said coach Nick Walker. "We should be improved."

Holly Springs

The Golden Hawks have a new coach this year and are considered the front runners in the Greater Neuse River Conference this fall.

It helps that all six starters from last year return, led by senior Colleen Henke.

"She's pretty positive on the court," said coach Kate O'Rourke, who has previous coaching experience in Holland, Mich. "There's a lot of pressure of playing in the No. 1. spot. Colleen's had that pressure before."

Sanderson

In what she says will be her last year as coach, Andy Fowler is optimistic Sanderson will fare better than last year's middle-of-the-pack ending in the Cap-7.

"We had so many 5-4 matches last year that we couldn't get over the hump," Fowler said. She said even though she's lost three of her top six to gradution, she still has three experienced players to take those spots. Juniors Christine Buch and Rachel Duffus will lead.

The decision to retire was made last year. "I decided 25 years was enough. This is my swan song."

Smithfield-Selma

It might be hard to beat Holly Springs in the Greater Neuse River Conference, but coach Linwood Stephenson figures to at least offer a challenge, sans any seniors.

Out-of-state transfer Victoria Esquerra, a sophomore, will lead the team ahead of juniors Olivia Juarez and Mallory Barnes, who also make up the No. 1 doubles team.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brittany Bullock

PANTHER CREEK

Bullock was All-Conference last year, en route to her regional tournament appearance. The powerful senior can intimidate opponents.

"She's hitting a much heavier ball this year," said coach Stephen Solis. "She's really learning the strategy of the game."

Jennifer Huang

EAST CHAPEL HILL

Huang, the Tigers' No. 1 singles player, takes over as team leader with the departure of Tess Darling. The two teamed up last year and fell in the doubles state championship.

She is one of the top-ranked high school tennis players in the state (12th) by the U.S. Tennis Association.

Kirsten Kohagen

CARY ACADEMY

Kohagen was selected in the spring as the N&O's top girls tennis athlete of the year. She has amassed a 58-2 record heading into her final season at No. 1 singles. In the TISAC Conference, the senior is undefeated. Her USTA ranking statewide is No. 4.

Kat Meindl

NORTH RALEIGH CHRISTIAN

Meindl earned all-state and all-conference honors last year. She plans on playing tennis in college, but the senior hasn't decided where.

Abby Richmond

ST. MARY'S

The senior led the team with all-state and all-conference honors in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association last year. Richmond is ranked the No. 3 girls tennis player in the state by the USTA.

Melis Tanik

RAVENSCROFT

Tanik, ranked No. 10 in the state by USTA, is one of four returning players from last year's playoff Ravens squad.