Arrows seeking repeat

0

PREBLE COUNTY — Preble Shawnee’s tennis team will be seeking to defends its Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division title this season as they return several players from its league championship team.

Coach’s name: Dave Hubbard

Number of years as head coach at current school: 8th Year (Record 78-42)

Preble Shawnee returns several players off last year’s SWBL championship team.

Ashlyn Hubbard (Senior) — Three-time first team all-league honoree (SWBL Buckeye Division), league runner-up at No. 1 singles last year. “Ashlyn is our senior leader and we will really be relying on her to set the tone for this season if we are going to repeat as league champions,” Coach Hubbard.

Allison Zornes (Junior) – League champion at No. 2 singles last year. Currently out due to injury (complete ACL tear during softball season last spring), may return to the lineup in early September. “Allison had really a breakout season last year, winning an individual league title at No. 2 singles for us. She is recovering from ACL surgery from last spring and we hope to have her back in action toward the end of the season and the league tournament,” Coach Hubbard said.

Alivia Reek (Junior) – League champion at No. 3 singles last year. “Alivia is a very scrappy, quick, and determined player who never quits on any point. I expect her to have a very solid season,” her coach said.

Jane Feck (Junior) – League champion at No. 1 doubles (with Sidney Quillen) last year. “Jane is a solid all-court player who really enjoys tennis and has a lot of fun on the court. She is probably our best doubles player but has the speed and athleticism to play singles as well.”

Lauren Smith (Junior) – League runner-up last year at No. 2 doubles (with Kirsten Boone), currently out due to injury (shoulder) and may return on Tuesday, August 22nd against Madison. “Lauren is a hard-hitting player with a great attitude. She is a solid baseliner and can be very effective at the net as well,” the coach said.

Kirsten Boone (Junior) – League runner-up last year at No. 2 doubles (with Lauren Smith). “Kirsten is a very solid doubles player with good strokes off both the backhand and forehand side. She quietly goes about her business when she is on the court.”

Shay Neal (Junior) – Played JV last year. Has improved a great deal from last season and will play some varsity at No. 2 doubles.

Newcomers this season are Zoey Collins (freshman) and Michele Bulach (freshman).

“Zoey and Michelle worked really hard during our voluntary summer practices and will be in our starting varsity lineup right off the bat. These girls have a ton of potential and I expect them to do very well and contribute to the success of our team this year,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard said his team should contest for a league title.

“I expect us to have another strong season and contend for the league title again. We have been decimated by injuries early on and will have to play almost perfect tennis in league play to defend our title,” he said.

By Eddie Mowen Jr.

[email protected]

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-68-4056 or on Twitter @emowen_RH

No posts to display