The White River High girls tennis team will be without two-time state participant Maggie Becker this season. Becker moved out of district, but coach Jason Swaser said there are plenty of returning members ready to fill her No. 1 singles position.

Rachel Hoflack, who played singles for White River last season, is first in line. Morgan Wilson and Michele Chapman are expected to battle for the No. 2 singles position.

They are among seven ladies returning from the 2008 program. Holly Hodgeson, Hailey Havelock, Iwalani Kauhi and Breanna Limbo round out that list. The Hornets need to field three doubles teams.

“The No. 3 doubles will probably have some fresh faces,” he said.

Swaser is excited about his turnout. Twenty-three girls have taken to the courts, which means the program will be able to field a junior varsity team.

“There are a lot of freshmen turned out,” Swaser said. “Hopefully, these girls stick with me for four years and we’ll have a more experienced team.”

The South Puget Sound League 3A is always tough, Swaser said, and this year, with the addition of Lakes, Clover Park and Peninsula, won’t change the level of competition.

The Hornets fire up the season with a league contest Monday with Auburn Mountainview.