The Lake Orion girls tennis team has found some early success and is hoping for more in the 2014 season.
With eight starters returning, the Dragons are seeking to improve. Two of the top teams in the OAA White Division have moved to the Red Division this season, which bodes well for LO.
The girls won their first tournament of the season at Waterford Kettering and now hope to gather some wins in the OAA White Division.
Coach Eric Bracciano said he thinks his group will do well but still has some challenges against teams like Troy Athens and Stoney Creek.
‘It’s been a good start so far,? Bracciano said.
‘I expect we will be near the top of the OAA White Division,? he said. ‘We believe we will do well against Berkley, Farmington, Harrison and Rochester. We’re already beaten Rochester. Troy and Stoney Creek will be difficult.?
Bracciano is putting faith is a solid group of seniors and juniors that are helped by some up-and-coming sophomores led by number one singles player Selina Fuchs. Last year, Selina was the league champion at number two singles.
Another sophomore, Sophie Partington, is also a captain.
Bracciano said number two singles is senior captain Melanie Gagen. She and senior Nadia Minart will be among the team leaders.
The Dragon’s top doubles team are juniors Rachel Alexander and junior Maja Mitrovic. Maja is an exchange student from Serbia.
Alexander played on the number four doubles last year.
Senior Kelsey Corless and junior Carley Jarvis both return from last year’s team and will be the number two doubles.
Junior Phoebe Holmes and sophomore Kayla Bruner are the number three doubles and seniors Ashley Bressman and? Taylor Doran are the number four doubles team.
Junior Collette Doran and freshman Alyssa Bowden will compete at fifth doubles.