SCHS Girl’s Tennis Returns Five Players

The South Central girl’s tennis team returns five players from last year but will still have a young team this year because so many younger players are out, said head coach Stephanie Salisbury.

“Our players have a lot of potential and we are excited to see how much they develop as they gain experience competing at the high school level,” Salisbury said. “We know there will be challenges along the way, but we are committed to working hard and making the most of every opportunity.”

Anna Dale, who played No. 1 doubles last year, graduated. She had spent four years with the tennis program and Salisbury said she brought dedication, focus and a positive attitude at all times.

“We will certainly miss her experience and leadership, but the example she set will continue to influence our team,” the head coach said.

Senior Mia Napierala, who teamed with Dale in No. 1 doubles last year, returns to the team. She and Dale tied for sixth at Regionals last year and, when Napierala was a sophomore, she joined Elisha Leterle in qualifying for the State tournament.

“Her biggest challenge this season will be determining the position that best fits her strengths and benefits the team,” Salisbury said. “Whether Mia competes in singles or doubles during her senior season remains undecided and will be evaluated during the first several meets.”

The No. 2 doubles teams of Max Miller and Nevaeh Pankrat are back. Both are seniors entering their second season of playing tennis. Salisbury said that Miller brings a lot of energy while Pankrat brings speed and good front-net play, plus the two communicate well with each other.

The head coach said that the focus with Miller and Pankrat will be consistency, particularly with serves.

Junior Fabiola Rivero played varsity singles last season. Salisbury praised Rivero for “excellent court coverage and an unflappable demeanor.”

Rivero has experience in both singles and doubles, so the biggest question with her is determining the positions in which her strengths will have the biggest impact, Salisbury said.

Senior Alyson Harrel played singles last season and Salisbury said she brings a great attitude to the team and consistently shows up ready to work.

“Her willingness to put in the effort every day is one of her greatest strengths,” Harrel said. “This season, we will focus on improving the consistency of her serve and developing stronger court coverage.”

The Lady Timberwolves will have seven freshmen out, those being Bonnie Herd, Elsie Herd, Hannahlee Hurd, Sienna Miller, Sydney Sanchez, Teaghann Shanniak and Aileny Zarate. Salisbury said they all show a willingness to learn and improve.

“With such a young team, our players bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to practice,” the head coach said. “We also have players willing to work hard, accept coaching and step outside their comfort zones as they develop their games.”

Salisbury added that the leadership the experienced players bring is an asset.

“Each returning player has stepped up to provide guidance and support to our younger athletes,” she said. “That combination of experienced leadership and young enthusiasm gives us a strong foundation to build upon.”

Salisbury said the main area to improve is when it comes to experience and consistency. Because so many players are young, they are still working on understanding match strategy, point construction and how to handle the pressure of competition, the head coach said.

“We will continue working on fundamentals while helping our players become more confident and composed during matches,” she said. “We also need to develop consistency in serving, court coverage and maintaining focus throughout an entire match.”

The goals the Lady Timberwolves have this season are to continue developing their skills and building consistency, confidence and a strong team culture, Salisbury said.

“We want our players to focus on getting better every day, competing with purpose and representing South Central High School with pride,” she said.

The Lady Timberwolves open the season at a tournament in Cimarron Aug. 27. Salisbury will go with a lineup that puts Rivero at No. 1 singles, Napierala at No. 2 singles, Miller and Pankrat at No. 1 doubles and Bonnie Herd and Elsie Herd at No. 2 doubles, with Harrel as a fill-in at No. 2 singles.

Salsibury said the Coaches Classic in Dodge City will be the top tournament this season because it will be the last major tournament before Regionals. It will allow the girls to compete against some strong competion and evaluate the progress they have made.

“It will also be an important opportunity for our young players to gain valuable experience before the postseason,” Salisbury said. “We want to use that tournament to see where we stand, identify areas that still need improvement and prepare our players for Regional competition.”