By Karen Podorefsky
Spring sports tryouts are this week, and the Girls Varsity tennis team is already predicting a successful season.  There are thirty-six girls trying out for the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams, and ten Varsity players will be returning.

Although the team lost three of their starters last year, Sophmore Denny Lamachia, juniors Emma McWilliams, Maddie Schneider, Jessie Hibel, Bevy Reynolds, Abby Normandeau, and senior Jessie Hibel will all be returning to their starting positions.

“We have good depth in both singles and doubles [from returning varsity players]. Some of last year’s JV players demonstrated good skills in the higher levels of JV doubles matches, and [JV Coach Campbell and I] will be observing them closely when deciding who to move up to varsity,” stated Varsity Coach Nancy Clark.

“A lot of amazing players graduated last year, but I think we can find just as many great players to help the team get back in full force,” said tri-captain Jessie Hibel.

The team did extremely well last year, and came in a close second to Medfield at the TVL Championship meet.  Hopkinton has been one of the elite teams in the league for many years, but they have not won the championship since 2003.

“Last spring we had a lot of great players that helped us do as well as we did. This year we still have some depth, but hopefully the girls will step up to fill the spots of the seniors who graduated,” said returning senior Allison Langh.  Coach Clark stated,  “I know we will be in the hunt for first place again. With a lot of hard work, I feel we have another good shot at the top spot. I think that’s a good goal, although I mostly want my team to play their best, improve skill levels, and enjoy being part of a tight-knit team.”