Staff Writer
The Presque Isle girls’ tennis team served defeat to their competition in the 2007 regular season, and aims to have greater success during the 2008 tournaments. The ’07 Wildcats volleyed well to end regular season play at 11-1, losing once to Madawaska. With all last year’s athletes returning and three new names on the roster, head coach Tim Dolley hopes to have another record-setting year.
Four-year coach Dolley expects his veterans to step up when they finally get outside this season.
“Our depth is going to be very important because the double teams may flip flop and leadership will be big because all three seniors have played with me all through coaching for Presque Isle,” said Dolley.
Junior Sarah Porter is the number one for singles tennis for the ’08 Wildcats followed by seniors Allison Dean at number two and Amy Michaud at number three.
Dolley has yet to determine the doubles teams due to lack of opportunity to hold ladder matches.
While PIHS has had the chance to practice on Madawaska’s indoor tennis court, the territory of last year’s sole victor over the squad, Dolley has focused on skills and training. Pairs will shortly be determined based on skill and the communication between partners.
Also returning to PI tennis is senior Courtney Hoffses, juniors Brittany Bearden and Jen Steeves and sophomore Madelyn Carson. The new Wildcats are sophomore Alyssa Farley and freshmen Divya Bisht and Lindsay Michaud.
According to Dolley, the team must stay consistent to get past Mount Desert Island, John Bapst, Caribou and, of course, Madawaska
“Team unity this year has been the best I’ve seen,” commented Dolley on the apparent team spirit.
The Wildcats travel to Hermon over April vacation to test their indoor training outdoors.
