The Oxford girls varsity tennis team is ready to start another season and so far, the weather has aided their efforts to prepare.
‘We have been able to practice a lot more than (in) previous years because the courts have been clear of snow,? said Head Coach Gayle Bailey.
After losing four seniors from last year’s team, Bailey said she is very excited about her new lineup this season. Last year’s number one doubles Rebekah Krol and Lakin Felix have been moved to the number one and two singles and number four doubles last year Hannah Yoo and Chloe Straub stepped into the three and four singles spots.
‘They have worked hard in the off season and are looking strong as their home debut in singles draws near.?
Bailey said her number one doubles this year Monica Heirman and Lisa Savich, who she calls ‘Moni-Lisa,? will be ‘a force this year at number one doubles.?
‘They are both aggressive at the net and bring high intensity to their game,? she added. ‘Watch out for them.?
Bailey said she has also brought up Sophmores Sydney Thaler and Kallan Lindstrom, from the JV team, she noted that both ‘have a very good game.?
‘Both are in 10th grade, so I will have them for several more years,? Bailey said. ‘I am looking forward to watching them grow as players. I am very confident in my team and they just continue to get better.?
As far as tournaments go, Bailey said the team is looking forward to playing in the Romeo Tournament. ‘We have never played those teams participating, so it will be nice to see how well my girls do,? she said.
While the league is ‘looking good,? Bailey said their biggest rival will be Avondale, which they will faceoff against at home on April 23.
‘I can’t wait to play them,? she added. ‘I’m hoping for a ‘W.??
The goal for the season is what it’s always been ‘to love the game.?
‘If I can get them to do that, lay the foundation for them they will take the initiative and get better on their own. It’s a short season, much of the work has to be done in the off season,? Bailey said. ‘If they want it, and they most always do. They come back stronger each year.?
The girls will have their first home match on April 14 against Hamtramck at 4:30 p.m.