Girls’ Tennis Preview: Sailors reload
It was a breakthrough season in 2015 for the Newport Harbor High girls’ tennis team.
The Sailors went 18-2, and won the Sunset League for the first time in four years. They were ranked as high as No. 2 in Orange County and advanced to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.
After graduating five seniors off that team, though, it’s back to work for the 2016 squad.
“It’s been one of our best summers, in terms of training,” Newport Harbor Coach Kristen Case said. “The girls have set some good goals, and they’re working hard. They’re all on the same page. The team chemistry this year is phenomenal.”
Seniors Hannah Blower, Taryn Anderson and Eva Newsom are the three returning starters for the Sailors, who also have talented players returning to the team like junior Nicole Knickerbocker and senior Elise Rimland. Juniors Megan Carey and Ally Harano move up to varsity after claiming the Sunset League JV doubles title last year.
Case said that the goal is another Sunset League crown. Prior to last year, Los Alamitos had won three straight.
“[Blower, Anderson and Newsom] have done an incredible job of rallying this team together and getting them on the same page, really making us a very strong unit,” Case said. “They’re ready to compete. I know that they definitely want that league title again.”
Newport Harbor Girls’ Tennis
League: Sunset
CIF Division: 1
Head Coach: Kristen Case (10th year)
Coaching Staff: Diane Rettew (assistant coach), Charlie Nuwer (JV coach), Danielle Bateman (frosh/soph coach)
2015 overall record: 18-2
2015 league record: 10-0 (champion)
2015 CIF results: Reached second round
Returning starters: three
Returning with honors: none
Coach’s Take: “We’re practicing hard and they’re getting better every day. There’s so many different ways we can go this year. I think that’s a strength for us, in terms of our versatility with the lineup. We know that the lineup situation will work itself out.”
One to Watch: Nicole Knickerbocker, a junior who was the No. 2 singles player as a freshman, is back after not playing high school tennis as a sophomore. “She’s playing well and we’re super-excited to have her back,” Case said. “The girls missed her, and she missed the team. She’s just an awesome team player.”
Schedule
September
6 - at Sunny Hills
7 - at Dana Hills
8 - at Roosevelt
13 - at Aliso Niguel
14 - vs. Mater Dei at Los Cab
15 - at Corona del Mar
20 - San Juan Hills
21 - vs. St. Margaret’s at Saddleback College
22 - Marina*
27 - at Los Alamitos*
28 - Sage Hill (3:30 p.m.)
29 - at Edison*
October
4 - at Fountain Valley*
6 - Huntington Beach*
11 - at Marina*
13 - Los Alamitos*
18 - Edison*
20 - Fountain Valley*
24 - at Huntington Beach* (2:30 p.m.)
26 - Sunset League Individuals, TBD
27 - Sunset League Individuals, TBD
*denotes league match
All matches 3 p.m., unless noted
