A familiar face is back on the tennis courts at Carson High School.
Diane Baker-Roberts, former tennis coach at CHS, former athletic director and former teacher, has taken over the reins of the girls' squad.
"There is a lot of enthusiasm," Baker-Roberts said. "I'm stressing more physical fitness and running. We will be in shape and have endurance. We're getting better everyday.
"We don't have any year-round players like Reno, Douglas, Galena and South Tahoe. By the end of the season we will give Douglas and Galena a good match."
The Senators, who play Tuesday at home against McQueen, have more than 30 players on the current roster, and unfortunately, the school doesn't have a JV team on either the girls or boys side.
Returning from last year are senior Ashley Saarem, sophomore Madison Saarem, senior Caitlin Dalessio, senior Christina Gallegos, senior Sarah Maier, junior Emily Collins, senior Emma Kortemeier, senior Ashley Potter, senior Jessica Fleming, senior Kellie Nguyen and senior Analiza Ong.
"Emily is a great athlete," Baker-Roberts said. "Emma is fast and fit. She's a lefty and she volleys great. Caitlin and Christina both hit a clean, strong ball. Sarah is a little hustler and can keep the ball in play."
Baker-Roberts said that the Saarem sisters are a potential doubles team along with Potter and Fleming.
"Both Ashley and Madison have potential and are hard workers," Baker-Roberts said. "Ashley and Jessica have the potential to be a tough doubles duo."
The top newcomer is freshman Katy Breeding, who should see some time as a singles player.
"Katy is very dedicated," Baker-Roberts said. "She hits a clean ball. She will definitely help us in singles. She has four years of competition tennis ahead of her."
CARSON BOYS
Coach Kevin Fallon's team, which compiled a 6-3 record a year ago, opens the season Tuesday at McQueen.
Fallon returns his top three singles players - junior Blake Sly, senior Adam Whitt and junior Peter Brinson - from a year ago. Sly posted a 24-1 record a year ago.
"Blake has shown steady improvement after a summer of tournament play," Fallon said. "Adam was a reliable source of points during the (league) season. Together with Peter, we have a strong singles line-up.
"While singles is going to carry the boys team, our doubles play is sure to improve with a number of returning players who gained match experience last year."
Seniors J.J. Aragon and Andy Garcia plus juniors Ben Drozdoff, Sean Cutinelli, Chris Fernandez, Mike Lang, Ian McBryde, Brandon Ostin and Simon White are among the players who will be paired up in doubles. Sophomores Matt Boggs, Casey Reid, jake Trapp, Nick Forbes, Cory Gentner, Connor Fallon and Spenser Hollenbeck-Pringle also are expected to make contributions.