High school tennis: Girls titles up for grabs

With high hopes for good weather and great tennis, girls teams across the state are preparing for this week's state tournament.

5A

The Alta Hawks left teams in the dust in their championship run last year. This year could be a repeat for the Hawks, but it's not going to be an easy road.

No. 1 singles is by far the toughest division in this year's tournament. Alta senior Ashley Tanner finished second in last year's tournament, when she fell to Weber standout Mary Anne Macfarlane in the championship match. Tanner is undefeated on the season, and should easily slip past opponents in the lower bracket. As for Macfarlane, she'll most likely have to overcome a semifinal showdown against Cottonwood's McKenzie Davis. Davis won last years No. 1 singles title in 4A, and is also undefeated, but could be in for a real surprise if she meets up with Macfarlane.

In second singles, Skyline's Alyssa Evensen is looking to make up for last year's championship loss to Alta. The Hawks have Brie Beck to defend the title, but a second-round match against Evensen could be the deciding factor in Alta's title run.

Bingham's No. 2 & 3 singles, and No. 1 doubles teams are all perfect on the season. The Miners could make a case for themselves if they can simply win matches and earn team points.

Davis and Lone Peak are day one teams. Both need to make a big push on the first day to gain points, and secure positions on championship day.

4A

Orem won last year's title with convincing wins in all of its matches. Sisters Callie Craig and Kelsie Craig lead their team at the No. 1 and 2 singles spots. Callie made the jump from No. 1 doubles last year, and could possibly pick up her fourth consecutive state title. Sister Kelsie is possibly the best player to pick up a tennis racket at this year's tournament. She's undefeated in region and state play for the past three years, so every opponent knows it's not an easy road for them.

Orem did, however, lose quite a few players since last season, and the youthful members of the team could find themselves in trouble if they cannot win matches.

Bountiful snatched up all but one first-place spot in its region tournament. The Braves could definitely finish in the top three when all is said and done, but stiff competition between East, Springville and Orem could rain on their parade.

Doubles action can, and most likely will be the deciding factor in who takes home the crown.