Photo by Terry MillsThe 2009 Tonasket High School Tennis team. The boys are: Tom Peery, Nicholas Luera, Lucas Detillian, Damon Sprague, Aaron Bharucha, Anthony Verhasselt, Caleb Knowlton, Russell Perry, Chris Martini, Vasyl Sheppela, Karl Bharucha, Lee Le

Laura Temby, in her second year as head coach, is assited by Kathy Maple and says she has a low stress style of coaching.

This year’s turnout included 13 boys and eight girls, which Temby said is a small turnout.

“The returning players have played well and the new players are very inexperienced,” Temby said.

There are three returning seniors this season: Jolynn Sullivan, Melissa Martinez and Natasha Vargas. Temby said that of the retuning players this season, sophomore Brett Hendrick missed state by one match last year and that Sullivan and sophomore Lee Leavell both had strong performances in district.

Temby said Hendrick, Leavell and freshman Cayla Monroe show promise for this season. She predicts the team will perform to the middle or upper half of the league because their strong points are dedication and patience.

Although the team’s weakness is inexperience, Temby said she doesn’t foresee making any big changes in strategy.

“The highlights of last season were all three of the boys singles players into the semi finals and consolation semis with two into the finals and consolation finals and one to state,” Temby said.