Spring sports preview: Girls tennis

Head coach: Mark Textor (2009-2013, 2003-2007)

2017 finish: 9-4 (third in Olympic League 2A); one doubles team to state tourney

Top returning players: Jessica Dietzman (so.), Isabelle Hugonoit (jr.), Amanda He (jr.), Ashley Rosales (jr.), Tea Gauthun (sr.), Emily Bundy (jr.), Brianna Cowan (so.), Amber Dietzman (sr.), Kaylee Dunlap (so.), Chloe Goldate (so.), Cortne Klinger (so.), Arlene Law (jr.), Eva Lofstrom (so.), Kristina Mingoy (so.), Kayli Prorok (so.), Nadia Rayon (so.), Mazie Whitteker (so.)

Newcomers: Ana Aguillon (jr.), Wren Fierro Burdink (so.), Clarie Cronin (fr.), Erin Dwyer (so.), Kjirstin Foresman (so.), Matea Gradillas (so.), Emily Green (fr.), Karli Hampton (so.), McKenna Hastings (fr.), Emma Heck (jr.), Belen Jadue (jr.), Eden Johnson (so.), Caylie Hammond Neske (fr.), Elizabeth Peterson (fr.), Melissa Porter (fr.), Katie Potter (jr.), Olivia Preston (fr.), Madysyn Rayburn (fr.), Irie Reeder (so.), Erin Rosengren (so.), Inna Roybal (fr.), Alyssa Simmons (fr.), Irene Stello (jr.), Tarrah Stipe (fr.), Raelee Wessel (so.), Kalli Wiker (fr.)

Key league competition: North Kitsap, Olympic, Kingston

Sequim head coach Mark Textor sees plenty of potential in this year’s Sequim High girls tennis team, and what the Wolves lack in overall senior leadership — just two 12th-graders are on the squad — they make up for in young talent.

Already, three freshmen have climbed the team ladder for varsity matches.

“We’ve got good numbers and we’re really young,” Mark Textor says.

“We’re not just young but … young and good. And we’re not going to use the excuse (for not winning), ’ … because we’re young.”

Sequim lost half of its state 2A doubles team when Hannah D’Amico graduated — along with seniors Stephanie LaCour and Katie Wake — but the other half of that state duo, sophomore Jessica Dietzman, is back.

Also returning is junior varsity starter Isabelle Hugonoit, along with veterans Ashley Rosales, Amanda He and Tea Gauthun.

Freshmen Kalli Wiker, McKenna Hastings and Olivia Preston figure to get ample varsity time.

Textor will have plenty of options this spring, as 43 girls tunred out for the squad, battling for 11 varsity spots.

“We’re a solid, young group,” Textor says. “This is probably the hardest working group I’ve had: they’re every competitive, very studious.”

In 2017 the Wolves went 9-4 in 2017 under coach Justine Wagner. Now Textor is back for his third stint as girls’ coach (2003-2007 and 2009-2013). He coached the Wolves to the school’s first team state championship in 2007.

“My goal for this group is to finish in the top three in this league,” Textor said, noting the top competition will come from North Kitsap, Olympic and Kingston.

The Wolves were scheduled to open the season March 12 at Olympic. Sequim hosts North Mason on March 14 before playing five consecutive road matches: March 15 at Coupeville, March 20 at Bremerton, March 22 at Kingston, March 26 at Port Angeles and March 28 at Klahowya.