SPSL NORTH GIRLS TENNIS: AT A GLANCE
FAVORITE: Kentridge, Thomas Jefferson.
CONTENDERS: Kentwood, Auburn.
LOOK OUT FOR: Auburn Riverside, Kentlake.
POSTSEASON PARTY: The SPSL sends 10 to district in singles and doubles. The top six from district qualify for state.
NOTABLE: Kentridge went undefeated during last year’s regular season (14-0) and has finished among the top three teams in each of the last four years. But the Chargers will be hard-pressed to duplicate that undefeated feat this time around. For starters, always-tough Thomas Jefferson returns a bevy of talent, led by the doubles tandem of Averi Kitsch and Mackenzie Qualls. The TJ duo took fifth at state last year, higher than any other returners in the North. Kentwood also has its share of talented returners, including Alyssa Nagai, Breanna Esber, Niki Skinner, Camille Madsen, Korin Hedlund and Eliana Spero. Conquerors freshman Tess Manthou – the younger sister of two-time state champion Max Manthou – also should make an immediate impact and could challenge as one of the North’s top singles players. Auburn simply will add to the talent in the division. The Trojans won the SPSL 3A last year, bringing home an impressive 13-1 record, and they return the bulk of their talent. Leading the Auburn cast will be state veterans Sandy Dennett and the doubles team of Peyton Prothero and Mariah Siemion. In Maple Valley, Tahoma might not challenge for the North title, but should build off last year’s 9-5 campaign, particularly with the return of singles standouts Kelly Lehigh and Jessica Price. Meanwhile, Kentlake remains a team to look out for, especially with district qualifier Julie Williams back in fold. Like Kentwood, the Falcons should enjoy some infusion of youth and talent with freshmen Kara Ikeda and Kimmy Williams expected to make immediate impacts. Kent-Meridian doesn’t quite have the depth of many of its North counterparts, but should pose plenty of challenges with sophomore Anna Mardakova and junior Rosa Fernandez leading the singles brigade while doubles players Paris Latta, Tina Nguyen and April Gaguras – all seniors – should add to the team’s depth.
BOOKMARK ON THE WEB: Looking to keep up with the SPSL tennis scene? Look no further than www.teambuchan.com. The site is continuously updated by Jefferson coach Andrew Buchan and tracks every match and every player in the SPSL North and South.
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