CV Should Contend For Title

Thu., April 2, 1998

By Mike Vlahovich mikev@spokesman.com (509) 927-2180

GSL girls tennis

Central Valley’s girls tennis team enjoyed its finest season in years in 1997, placing second behind champion Gonzaga Prep with only one loss.

The Bears bring back eight players, and have added a transfer and two sophomores who could help them remain a title contender.

“They’ve matured as a group,” said coach Stan Chalich. “We’re playing a lot tougher and with a better work ethic. It’s fun.”

University is more experienced this year after struggling to a 2-6 season in 1997 and has a chance to move up.

“I think we can get into the top couple of schools,” said coach Trisha Roeber. “We’ll certainly be better than last year.”

Experience could pay off for CV

With half its singles and two-thirds of its doubles lineup returned, experience could be to CV’s advantage in the race for a Greater Spokane League championship.

Regionally seasoned No. 1 singles player Aaryn Volkman leads the way.

“She’s truly a competitor,” said Chalich.

Also back are singles players Karen Kager, Kelli Renslow and Holly Sprank.

They will be joined in the challenge by transfer Terra Matsuda, a standout doubles player for East Valley’s three-time Frontier League champions.

Also returned are the doubles teams of Audrey Routt and Ellen Kager, Karen’s twin, plus Aurelie Trier and Liz Wargo.

Newcomers include sophomore doubles players Jillian Cerna and Leah Erickson.

“They could be tough,” said Chalich.

Prospects are senior Teresa Ely, juniors Hannah Allen and Shannon Brown.

“Prep’s going to be tough and Ferris, who we beat last year for the first time in history,” said Chalich. “If our singles can be more aggressive at the net, that will dictate how we do.”

U-Hi girls outlook similar to boys

U-Hi’s girls face circumstances similar to the the Titan boys.

Seven players from coach Trisha Roeber’s building season return. A sophomore will take over the top singles berth.

Kayla Stoeser and Alissa Pittinger, who played singles last year, are being chased by Crystal Kawamoto for the top singles berth.

“She shows a lot of promise and has played since she was eight years old,” said Roeber, “I’m happy to get her.”

Carolyn McGowan and Heather Blair return and will team at number one doubles.

“They weren’t together last year, but will be a real powerful team,” said Roeber.

Also back are Rachelle Realing, moving from doubles to singles, and the doubles team of Annie Byers and Marinda O’Connell.

Other new prospects are sophomores Maileen Williams and Tricia Crispin.

“Central Valley is the team to beat, but I think we’ll do a real good job in league,” said Roeber. “It will be a different ball game this year.”

Bullpups looking for another title

After winning the league last year, Gonzaga Prep coach Donna Lenseigne hopes her team can capture the GSL crown again.

“We have four girls coming back from last year playing varsity,” said Lenseigne. “I think we have a shot at winning the GSL again.”

Those returning include the top three singles players for the Pups: sophomore Lisa Van Gemert, and seniors Alecia Nelson and Vanessa Waldref. The other returnee is Wendy Lin, one-half of Prep’s No. 1 doubles duo.

Joining the singles trio will be junior Dakota Hankin.

In doubles, Lin will be joined by junior Molly Maixner. Anna Carroll and Aline Komelasky will take over the No. 2 slot. Allison Douglas, Lindsay Marshall, Allison Lambert and Theresa Weisbeck will complete the squad.

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