The Lady Monarch tennis team is pictured from left, front row, Paige Hobbs, Alyssa Scott, Mallory Huffman, Sarah Morhorst, Sydney Fetherolf and Hanna Hogan; second row, Molly Armstrong, Alissa Wills, Kaitlin McCasland, Emma Pzedpelski, Emily Ingle, Emma Flint and Blair Fairchild; back row, coach Mitch Augenstein, Aelyn Baumbarger, Linnea Olofsson, Nicole Duff, Caitlee Hill, Krista O’Shelski, Maddie Eichorn, Delaney Given and head coach Bill Romine. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
There will be a strong mixture of veteran talent and newcomers on the Marysville High School girls tennis squad this fall.
Returning lettermen are as follows:
-Emma Pzedpelski: junior, first singles;
-Hanna Hogan: senior, second singles;
-Krista O’Shelski: senior, doubles;
-Caitlee Hill: senior, doubles;
– Mallory Huffman: sophomore, singles and doubles;
-Molly Armstrong: senior, singles and doubles.
They will be joined by the following newcomers:
-Juniors Alissa Scott (doubles) and Blair Fairchild (singles);
-Sophmore Paige Hobbs (doubles);
-Freshman Linnea Olofsson (singles and doubles).
“We are excited for the season with a wonderful group of players that consists of experience along with the new players added to the roster,” said Marysville head coach Bill Romine. “This skill set will allow us to have the best varsity lineup on the court each match.
“The energy and excitement these girls bring to the court each day at practices and matches will drive this team to be the best it can be.”
Concerns at the start of the season were how quickly each player can adapt to her role on the team.
“They also must accept the challenges they face each match as they make adjustments to where they are playing that specific night,” said Romine.
The Lady Monarchs posted an overall record of 9-12 during the 2020 season.
They also placed fourth in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division with a 2-3 record.
Romine said the circuit will be strong again this fall.
“Dublin Jerome will be at the top and Olentangy will be strong again as well,” said Romine. “Olentangy Berlin is a tough team with a very strong first singles player. Hilliard Darby and Thomas Worthington are tough competitors as well.
“I believe we can finish in the top half of the conference if we do our jobs and play to our potential.
“It would be exciting to get a young lady out of sectionals,” he said. “I truly believe we have the talent to reach both of these goals.
“Overall, my coaching staff and myself want to continue to help these girls develop and reach their full potential in tennis.”