High school tennis: Girls teams ready for action

School is in session and the nets are up, so it's time for the 2009 girls tennis preview:

5A: Any team that plans on making it to the state championships must first get past its region opponents. This year Region 4 could have arguably the toughest region in the state. The Alta Hawks remain at the top of 5A after last year's title run. The Hawks return a few key players, including No. 1 doubles duo Dana Peterson and Jessica Staples. Alta had players in all five events on championship day a year ago.

Jordan, Lone Peak and Brighton are a few of the teams battling for the Region 4 crown as well. The Beetdiggers' Kallie Sperry is the leader of a young squad, and her experience should be enough to lead the entire team to the state tournament. Brighton finished at the fifth spot in last year's tournament, a little below its own expectations.

Region 1 is also filled with talent this year. Skyline, Weber and Davis lead the pack. Weber senior Mary Ann Macfarlane is looking to pick up her third state singles title and will be the leader of a talented squad. Juniors Carly Lloyd and Megan Mc?Knight fill in at No. 2 & 3 singles. Both players have been improving all off season for their shot at a title.

Class 5A welcomed Cottonwood into the classification over the summer, and that brought defending No. 1 singles champ McKenzie Davis into the mix. Davis played perfect tennis in last year's tournament and is the backbone of her team. Bingham and Riverton round out the rest of the teams in the title mix, with the Miners holding a slight edge their rival. The Silverwolves only return two players from last year's team.

4A: The Orem Tigers will be the team to beat in class 4A. After a convincing win in last year's tournament, everyone will be gunning for them. Sisters Kelsie and Callie Craig both know what it takes to win. Kelsie didn't lose a single set in last year's tournament and will be the leading charge for the individual title. Making the jump to 4A over the summer were the Uintah Utes. Alison Shipton is at the helm at the No. 1 singles spot, and seniors Katie Muir and Chelyse Hodgkinson are locked in as the No. 1 doubles team. If all goes well, Uintah could be the dark horse as the new team. East finished second last year, but the Leopards had to fight hard to get there. Teams like Sky View, Bountiful, Lehi and Tooele all have top squads but are in the process of rebuilding their teams. Tooele lost half of its team to the new Stansbury school, but senior Megan Breese is expected to be playing at her best.