2024 Girls Tennis Preview: Lakeview has high expectations; Harper, Pennfield rebuilding
BATTLE CREEK - The tennis season can be hit or miss in early spring, with the weather getting in the way. But the schedule will soon be in full swing and there's a lot to know about the city and area squads.
Fans of high school girls tennis will want to keep in mind some key dates coming up, including the All-City meet on April 20 and regionals starting May 15. The MHSAA state tournament is set for the weekend of May 31-June 1 at various locations.
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Here’s a closer look at the city and area girls tennis teams for 2024:
Battle Creek Central
Coach: Jihad Ford (5th season)
2023 record: 2-10-1
Top returners: Bonnie Ferazzi, jr.; Dynise Anderson, sr.; Nevaeha Miller, sr.; Emira Shabani, jr.
Outlook: In his fifth year as coach, Jihad Ford has helped grow the girls tennis program at Battle Creek Central as the Bearcats are deeper this year than they have been in recent memory, with 15 junior varsity players out, including 10 freshmen. Junior Bonnie Ferazzi will play her second season at No. 1 singles as a junior. Senior Dynise Anderson and junior Emira Shabani both started as singles last year and earned some wins in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference. Senior Neveaha Miller was part of a strong doubles team a year ago and also returns.
"This year, I feel we are deeper in talent and will be able to compete more in the SMAC. Wins and losses will come with this team. What's important is competing, learning this great game of tennis, having fun and growing as young people," Ford said.
Harper Creek
Coach: Brian McManus (3rd season)
2023 record: 3-7-2
Top Returners: Addison Woodruff, jr.; Elena Sandel, jr.; Gabby Jude, sr.; Haylie Szarejko, sr.; Emily Purucker, so.; Paije Dickenson, so.
Outlook: In his third year as coach, Brian McManus continues to try and mold the program as the Beavers lost two of their top four singles players to graduation. The returners from that group include sophomores Emily Purucker and Paije Dickenson. Harper Creek does have four players coming back from the doubles rotation with the No. 1 team of Addison Woodruff and Elena Sandel going 18-4 a year ago. Harper Creek should get a boost from Mia Helbing, a foreign-exchange student who will be sliding into the No. 1 singles spot.
"Really looking forward to having an excellent year with the group we have. We have added some additions that will allow us to compete at a higher level. This group has a great attitude and is looking forward to the challenge of competing for a conference title," McManus said.
Lakeview
Co-Coaches: Jeff Van Dis (8th season); Stuart Smith (1st season)
2023 record: 6-6-1; SMAC East champs
Top returners: Sade Blackwell, jr.; Emmy Ruger, jr.; Karlee Gutsue, jr.; Ashley Thawmluai, sr.; Rebecca Lin, sr.; Caitlyn Miller, jr.; KaiLani Etheridge, jr.; Dawt Sung, sr.; Abby Miner, jr.
Outlook: Lakeview had a standout season in 2023, winning league and regional crowns and placing No. 13 at the state meet in Division 2. The Spartans move up to Division 1 this year and have nine players return with varsity experience. Lakeview will be led by Sade Blackwell, who was an All-City champ last year at No. 1 singles and finished first at regionals. The Spartans return their top four singles players overall, including Rebecca Lin, Caitlyn Miller and Emmy Ruger, who was a regional champ at No. 4 singles. The doubles group is highlighted by the team of Ashley Thawmluai and Dawt Sung, who were regional champs at No. 3 doubles.
"The team again this year will continue to have high expectations and have the goal of getting back to the state tournament," Van Dis said.
Marshall
Coach: Cristy Ortiz (6th season)
2023 record: 4-11-1
Top returners: Lucy Gensch, sr.; Aubrey Dysinger, so.; Liz Conolly, so.; Danielle Arend, so.; Olivia Miller, so.; Kaya Owald, so.;
Outlook: Marshall was hit hard by graduation, with just one senior returning and seven sophomores with varsity experience, as the Redhawks will be young. Most of the singles slots will be filled by players who competed at doubles a year ago, looking to make the switch. Senior Lucy Gensch brings back the most experience, playing No. 3 singles a year ago.
"My expectations for the team this year is to come out and give 100% at practice, improve from one game to the next, and learn from our mistakes. We have a lot of returning players, and as long as we come and work at practice, as it will be a great season. The girls are eager to learn and are working hard to understand the game. I am confident we will be very competitive and will fight to win and our team goal this year is to improve a little every day," Ortiz said.
Pennfield
Coach: Alex Hubbard (1st season)
2023 record: 5-5-3
Top returners: Vivian Burns, sr.;
Outlook: Pennfield will have a new head coach after John Corcoran stepped down following a 25-year career with the girls team. Alex Hubbard takes over the girls program for the first time after leading the boys team the last two seasons. Pennfield was hit by heavy graduation losses and will look to fill in some holes in the lineup. However, the Panthers do have a strong returner at No. 1 singles in senior Vivian Burns, who has committed to play tennis at the next level at Ferris State University.
"I am excited to be coaching the girls this season. We have lost some senior singles players, but we have quite a few team members that are playing a lot of tennis year-round," Hubbard said.
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: High School Sports Preview: Battle Creek are girls tennis for 2024
