The Panther tennis players are ready to start swinging, if the weather gives them a chance this early in the season.
Bonney Lake did not see a single victory last year, ending the season with a 0-14 record. The Panthers plan to change that this year.
“The SPSL (South Puget Sound League) 3A league is very tough,” said four-year coach Damon DeLapp. “All the teams are very competitive and have a bunch of experienced, quality players on them.”
With varsity players Baylee Littlefield, Samantha Garrity and Kiera Watson graduated, this year’s team is young and without much experience, but, “we will battle and give our best every time we play and hopefully get some victories,” DeLapp said.
Returning to the court are seniors Kristen Cunningham and Mindy Joyce. Juniors Natalie Gleason, Kadie Demich, Hanna Littlefield and Shay Warren are also returning with sophomore Olivia Grob.
New to the team are junior Nikki Demmel, sophomores Kayley Allen, Hannah Anderson-Cabrea, Lydia Chang, Madison Crinklaw, Crimson Hauge, Amy Lee, Kennan Wagner and Madison Webley with freshmen Ashley Bender and Eliza Christensen.
“We are young and getting better each year, practice and match,” DeLapp said.
The Panther’s first game was Wednesday March 16, and lost to Auburn Mountainview 0-4.
The next match is Friday. March 18 against Auburn.
