With its entire starting lineup returning, the Center Grove girls tennis team expects to make a deep postseason run.
The Trojans finished 15-8 last season and advanced to the semistate.
Back at No. 1 singles is sophomore Isabella Schoolcraft, who played exceptionally well as a freshman.
Juniors Katelyn Gray and Maddie Weeks return, respectively, at Nos. 2 and 3 singles. Also back: senior Madison Smeathers and junior Cassidy Hardin at No. 1 doubles.
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“The experience we have and our depth really helps push us to the next level,” said Smeathers, an Ohio State recruit for volleyball. “The way we ended our season last year has definitely motivated and inspired us.
“We see that success is well within reach.”
Also returning is the No. 2 doubles team of sophomores Bailey Sammons and Carleigh Hardin.
Center Grove, which is coached by Debby Burton, has 32 players on its roster.
Edinburgh
After finishing 10-7 last spring, fifth-year coach Rachel Matusik is upbeat about the new season.Returning singles players include senior Lillie Parmer and junior Vanessa Hoskins.
In doubles, seniors Meghan Collett and Emma Westerfeld, and junior Allie Schooler return to the starting lineup.
“The girls are working hard on the court, and our goal is to be at the top of our conference,” Matusik said.
Also looking to crack the starting lineup are juniors Heather Jones, Hannah Gosman and Sydney Schlotter, and sophomore Paige Johnson.
The Lancers have four freshmen on the roster.
Franklin
In the wake of heavy graduation losses, experience isn’t a strength for the Grizzly Cubs.Franklin lost five senior starters from last year’s 12-6 team.
The good news is, sophomore Abi Smith resumes her spot at No. 1 singles. She started at No. 1 all of last season.
Senior Nina Biasi, who played doubles most of last season with junior Maddie Long, are expected to be in the starting lineup.
Juniors Katie Purk and freshmen Daryn Hyneman, Katie Heuchan and Aiden Smith for the Cubs, who are coached by Rusty Hughes.
Greenwood
With all seven starters returning, the Woodmen — under the direction of second-year coach Jeremy Runge — are optimistic about the season.Greenwood finished 9-9 last season after losing to perennial power Center Grove in the sectional semifinals.
Senior Abby Chatham returns at No. 1 singles. Junior Molly Jacobs and sophomore Maddie Bright also reclaim their starting singles positions.
Seniors Joanna Moran, Sadie Brooks and Ally Newman, and sophomore Alyssa Roscoe all return at doubles.
The Woodmen have seven freshmen to the roster.
Indian Creek
With only two returning starters, coach Rex Wilson is experimenting with lineups.Senior Baylee Wilson, who has played mostly doubles throughout her career, returns along with junior doubles player McKayla Russell.
Seniors Sydney Johnson and Allison van Kooten and sophomores McKensie Hunter, Mya Piccione, Emily Ellis and Reese Sears also are expected to contribute.
Freshman Katie Burkman is challenging for a starting singles spot.
Whiteland
Under the direction of veteran coach Mike Gillispie, the Warriors look to build on last year’s 9-9 record.Whiteland finished third in the Mid-State Conference standings.
Senior Madison Scott, a three-year starter, returns at No. 1 singles.
Juniors Avneet Badwall, Paityn Gossett and Danielle Patterson are returning letterwinners.
Seniors Lucy Foster and Sam Gearhart, and junior Mikayla Sell are expected to compete for starting positions.
