Brandon’s varsity girls tennis team may be young, but Coach Brian Moore says the team is still primed for a good season.
The Blackhawks finished tied for second in the Flint Metro League standings, behind perennial league power Holly, which has won 26 straight Flint Metro titles. That finish was the Blackhawks? highest since they joined the league.
However, the team lost nine seniors to graduation, and return just two seniors this year: Lauren Dixon, a four-year varsity player who will be a team captain, and Shannon Elliot, a second-year varsity member.
Nonetheless, Moore said the team has a solid work ethic and plenty of talent.
‘This team represents all that is right with high school sports,? he said. ‘I believe this is, top to bottom, the strongest team we’ve had.?
Moore said two returning juniors, Brittany Barber and Jessica DeVoogd, have been ‘two of the most pleasant surprises so far in practice. The two are currently in competition for the #1 and #2 varsity spots.
‘They’ve vaulted to the top through sheer hard work and playing tennis,? Moore said.
Also returning to the varsity this year are juniors Hanna Hubbard, Rachel Hartwig, Stacey Brooks and Emily Fluck. Joining them are six newcomers: juniors Kathy Ingles, Cylee Wagner and Sheree Ogle, and sophomores Ashley and Samantha Adams and Natalie Barth.
Moore hopes the Blackhawks can continue to close the gap on Holly and their stretch of league dominance. Last year, the Blackhawks lost 6-2 in their league matchup with the Bronchos.
‘We’re closing the gap,? he said. ‘I anticipate we’ll continue to improve. Ideally, we’d like to tie them at four or beat them 5-3.?