Girls? tennis Coach Eric Bracciano has lofty goals for this season.
‘I think we have a pretty good shot at going undefeated. I think it’s a realistic goal. Ultimately we’d like to quality for states,? he said.
Though Bracciano is the new girls? coach this season, replacing Mark Taylor who took a position in another district, he’s not new to Lake Orion. Bracciano coached boys? tennis last fall and was a part of Lake Orion tennis four years ago.
‘I’m excited to be back with the Lake Orion program,? he said. ‘I really enjoyed running the program then and am looking forward to this season. I think we’re going to be successful and have a lot of fun.?
Bracciano says his ultimate goal for the season is to build the program back up and to be number one in league play.
‘I think we have a good shot at winning the league,? he said. ‘I think we’re strong overall in all of our spots, singles and doubles.?
Lady Dragons? toughest competitor will be Rochester Adams, who plays in the league above Lake Orion.
‘That will be a true test to see where our team is really at,? Bracciano said.
The singles lineup is made of Kelsey Cooper, Nicole VanRooyen, Rachel Porter and Kelsey Lee. Bracciano says he’s still creating the doubles lineup, but it will include Abby Martin and Lindsay Jackson. This year’s team will be anchored by senior Captains Cooper and Martin.
The varsity team’s strong leadership and experienced players will help pave the way for a good season, according to the coach. Bracciano said last year the team only graduated three players, leaving eight returning seniors for this year ? a good chunk of the team’s 15 players.
Around 50 girls tried out for both teams and Bracciano didn’t cut anyone. With 35 players on the junior varsity team, the coach said it’s ‘a great start to building a program that I’m envisioning.?
Lady Dragons? first match will be April 15 against Farmington Hills ? Harrison. See future Reviews for more coverage.