High school sports: Tennis season in full swing

Rowland Hall has traditionally had a strong girls' tennis team, one that battles for 2A state titles on a yearly basis.

This season, however, the Winged Lion is just happy to have a full team.

"We have a team of 14 girls right now," said coach Tim Sleeper, "which is more than double what we thought."

After last season's state runner-up squad graduated the majority of its players in June, it looked as if Sleeper might not even have seven girls for varsity.

"Then, when school started, they came out of the woodwork," he said, mentioning that some of his new recruits had transferred to tennis after burnout in other sports. "We've got a lot of good athletes. We're going to compete."

Sophomores Scout Swenson and Kaitlyn Ramsey, who played No. 1 doubles last year, and Madeline Foley, who lost as a freshman in the No. 1 singles finals last season, return to lead Rowland Hall.

Waterford High, which won the 2A team title last season, is looking to stand in the way of the new Winged Lion.

"We always expect Waterford to be strong," Sleeper said of his program's rival.

Opposite of Rowland Hall, the Ravens have extensive experience returning for the 2010 season. Lisa Haroutunian and Stephi Adoudakis both enter the year as fourth-year varsity starters in No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively.

"What's great about these girls is they are willing to do what is best for the team," Waterford coach Ken Wade said of his seniors' versatility, as they have bounced around to different positions throughout their high school careers.

In 3A, powerhouse Desert Hills is looking forward to another season similar to the last. The two-time defending champions have six seniors and one freshman taking on varsity roles this season.

"That's a lot of leadership, a lot of experience," head coach Dow Christenson said.

Morgan Anderson, the No. 1 singles player, Alexa Ford, at No. 2 singles, and Krista Anderson, a No. 1 doubles team member, each enter their fourth seasons as varsity players for the Thunder. Stephanie Nelson will team up with Krista Anderson in her first year at Desert Hills after spending her first three high school seasons at Brighton.

"I got a call during the summer that she was coming down," Christenson said. "What a nice addition."