LHS tennis team builds program

GIRLS TENNIS

By Tim Falls, Sports Editor
   The Lawrence High School girls tennis team exceeded expectations last season for first-year coach Mick Cimorelli.
   In his second season, despite last year’s strong showing, Cimorelli is keeping his expectations conservative.
   ”We were pretty successful for our standards last year,” said Cimorelli. “We finished over .500 and got a state playoff win.”
   Still, Lawrence graduated several talented players, and Cimorelli is hoping his team can be competitive again this season.
   ”Expectations aren’t as high,” said Cimorelli. “We lost four seniors. We have a lot of new faces. It’s going to be a learning experience.”
   The Cardinals retained two of its singles players from last season.
   Senior Aleeha Fazle will move up from second singles to lead Lawrence at first singles this year.
   Likewise, junior Ashley Russo moves up to play second singles.
   Senior Erica Nagy will play third singles for Lawrence.
   ”I just want them to go out and be competitive,” said Cimorelli. “I’ll be happy if these girls work hard all year and try to get better.”
   Junior Jen Barrett and sophomore Katie Soto will be first doubles, while freshman Alina Vitukhnovskaya and freshman Eva Szyszko will be second doubles.
   Lawrence is scheduled to open its season with a match against Princeton on Wednesday.
   ”It’ll wake these girls up quick,” said Cimorelli. “The very first day of school for these kids we’ve got our first match.”
   The Lawrence tennis team’s numbers are also a bit down from last year.
   ”We have a lot of young faces and my numbers are a little low,” said Cimorelli. “I only have 12 girls, maybe we’ll get up to 18 once school starts, but usually we’re in the 20s so number-wise we’re down a little and I’m a little dissapointed about that.”