By Nate Beutel<br><a href="mailto:beuteln@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Nate</a>
Joe Sarkees’ first season as Niagara Falls girls tennis coach was extremely successful as the Wolverines went 12-2 and finished second in the Niagara Frontier League. A year later, despite losing the school’s all-time wins leader in Andria Janese, Sarkees’ believes his team can sustain that type of success if a number of key players can fill their roles.
“Our outlook is kind of unknown right now with a lot of questions marks,” Sarkees said. “But if some of the girls answer those questions, we can compete with anyone in the league.”
The second doubles tandem of seniors Alexis Schmidtke and Rachel Connors will return after going 13-2 a year ago. Sarkees plans to use Schmidtke at singles and Connors as a swing player between both singles and doubles this year. Freshman Kelsi Leo returns to the lineup after playing third singles for most of last season. Senior Breanna Seiwell is also back with versatility at both singles and doubles. The maturity of sophomores Jessica Perri and Breanna Ciccarelli will also be key for NFHS.
Grand Island
The Vikings lost five of their seven starters from an undefeated NFL championship squad. That includes Niagara Gazette Player of the Year Brittany Stallard, who cruised to a 14-0 record last fall. This fall, juniors Alexandra Buscaglia and Kaitie Samland will anchor third-year coach Julie Neville’s roster.
“It’s a rebuilding year for us with many young girls moving right into the starting lineup,” the coach said.
Lewiston-Porter
Despite losing five starters from a year ago, fifth-year coach Scott Townsend expects his team to be competitive with the vast majority of teams in the NFL. Senior Cassidy Edwards will likely play first singles, while Rachel Filosofos and Kelsey Sargent also return. Townsend also expects newcomer Julie Stuart, who previously played soccer, to help “bolster the lineup.”
Niagara-Wheatfield
After winning the Western New York bronze division tournament to close out last season, the Falcons feel like they’re ready to make substantial strides this fall, according to third-year coach Kristin Janese.
“We have a lot of experienced players returning,” she said. “The team is building and improving each year.”
Leading the charge for N-W will be senior singles player Angela Hastings, senior doubles player Megan Cavanaugh and versatile junior Rachel Pearson.
Starpoint
The Lady Spartans were hit hard by graduation after winning a share of first place in ECIC III a year ago. That said, reigning Lockport Union Sun & Journal Player of the Year Jenna Maldiner returns at first singles and will provide Starpoint with a point almost ever time out. Also back are juniors Meg Gildersleeve and Sandy Spearin along with seniors Jenna Schifferle and Christa Trautman. Nardin transfer Chloe Withiam-Leitch will also add strength to the lineup, according to third-year coach Jess Smith.
“We’ve set out goals high so we have something great to grow into,” he said. “This year it’s all about digging out every single point for us.”
n No additional local teams provided information.
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
