The results might not have been what the Lake Orion girls? tennis squad wanted last Thursday against Adams, but given all they’ve gone through since the fall of 2006, the team was certainly glad to be out on the courts.
The Dragons have just a handful of returning varsity players, and a new coach, as they play in the spring season for the first time.
‘I went in to the girls season unsure of their ability level because I had not been a part of the team in previous years,? said Coach Emily Stocker.?’From the first day of practice, I was impressed at the hard work and dedication many of the girls put into tennis.? ?
Stocker was the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association co-MVP last spring as a senior at Albion.
She took over as the boys? junior varsity coach in the fall and jumped at the opportunity to take the girls? varsity program when it was offered. ?
The team is off to a 1-3 start, topping Harrison 5-3 for their lone win so far. They’ll compete in the OAA II again this season.
Team captains are Allison Diven and Julia Jabczenski, the team’s #1 and #2 singles players, respectively.
Other seniors include Catherine Rolfe and Lauren Mihalak (Megan Colver left the team with a knee injury). Other key returnees include Kelsey Cooper, who has moved from #4 doubles to #3 singles, and #1 doubles player Leslie Siedlak.
Due to the season switch last season, in which girls? tennis moved from the fall to the spring, the team hasn’t played together in a year and a half.
‘With an off-season that long it can be hard to get back on track, but several of the girls took lessons during the off-season at Deer Lake Athletic Club,? Stocker said. ‘Playing in the off-season has helped the girls stay on track with their ability levels.? ?
The coach noted the toughest part of the season switch was dealing with Mother Nature for the first month of practice.
‘The beginning of our season was rough because the weather would not cooperate,? she said. ‘We had snow on the court for the first two weeks after practices were scheduled to begin.?
Stocker added that with temperatures heating up, so should the play in the OAA II.