Superior tennis serves up spring preview

Jamie Doran

Mineral Independent

Jamie Doran

Mineral Independent

The Superior tennis team is looking to have a successful season, even if practice has been a little scattered with head coach Rick Berreth out of town for a tennis tournament and spring break this week.

"They’ve been great and I think they’ll definitely be ready for the first match of the season," Berreth said.

The team has 11 girls on it, 10 of which lettered last year, which makes it a very experienced team.

"We just have one beginner this year," he said. "They’re all pretty enthusiastic about the season."

Berreth said that the greatest attribute his team has right now is depth.

"Numerically the team isn’t any bigger than in any other year, in fact it is actually a little on the small side," he said. "However, the experience is great, there is a depth in experience with this team that we haven’t had with previous teams."

Despite the uncooperative weather, Berreth said that his team has had great attitudes with no one complaining about having to play in the cold.

"They don’t give me a look about being cold during practice, or beg to play in the gym instead," he said. "The attitudes and dedication they have is just great."

The team has one player back that went to the state tournament last year.

Senior Alex Conrow went to the state tournament last year as a singles player and is hoping to do so again this year.

Senior Sami Woodard went to state two years ago. Last year she played doubles, but has decided to switch over from doubles to singles this year.

"Sami has been working really hard on her off season," Berreth said. "You can tell that she really wants to make state again this year."

There is one freshman on the team and Berreth said that nine of the 11 girls all played varsity at one time or another last year.

"There are two doubles players on the divisional team from last year," he said. "We have a lot of experience.

Superior’s first match is Tuesday, April 7 on the road against Darby. Their first home match will be a duel home match on Thursday, April 9 against Mission and Eureka starting at 1 p.m.

"We should be really competitive for divisionals and have more girls than we usually have going to state this season," Berreth said.