Although they are were still without a win their first week into the new season, the attitudes of the members of the Lake Orion High School varsity girls tennis team remain positive.
‘The team is very versatile this year, we have a few people who can go either way (playing singles or doubles),? said coach Jody Winkleman. ‘This is more of a rebuilding year…but our program continues to grow. The girls have terrific attitudes.?
Returning to the varsity team are: Junior Jennifer Bandico, junior Sara Doelle, junior Vanessa Fonbuena, junior Kristin Limback, senior Heather Picklo, senior Rachel Stolzenburg and junior Veronica Topolewski.
There are seven new to the varsity squad this year: Junior Stephanie Costigan, junior Jessica Davis, sophomore Alysha Enjaiain, junior Kristin Humes, senior Kim Meyer, junior Lauren Stoffel and freshman Caitlin Young.
‘She’s a promising freshman for us,? said Winkleman of Young.
Captains for the varsity team this year are Picklo and Doelle.
‘We’re in the middle level of competition on OAA II,? said Winkleman. ‘At the level we play, that’s where we fit in.?
The team finished near the bottom of the league last season, and Winkleman said their goal is to move up some this year.
‘Our goal is to finish at the halfway mark (in the standings),? she said.
The team lost their first match on Aug. 30 against West Bloomfield, 8-0. Bandico was injured during the match, but Winkleman said she is ‘healing nicely.?
On Sept. 1, the team lost to Farmington, 7-1. Picklo won 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 against Farmington’s Alexandra Solomon.
‘Heather Picklo’s game has matured this year,? said Winkleman. ‘If we have any weaknesses on the team, it’s being a bit inexperienced.?
The Dragons have some top singles players coming out of the doubles teams from last year.
‘Every match, they play better and better,? Winkleman said. ‘Sara Doelle has a lot to offer. She could go singles or doubles, as could Vanessa Fonbuena.?
Winkleman said the bulk of OAA II will be tough competition again this year.
‘We have a full schedule,? she said. ‘It’s a tough league. We had tennis camps over the summer, and we’re setting up some stuff for when this season is over.
‘We had 56 girls come out for the team this year,? Winkleman continued. ‘So our feeder program is helping in terms of numbers.?