Five prep tennis players to watch

Madeline Mahler So. | Glacier Peak

As a freshman, Mahler posted a 12-4 record and earned a berth in the Class 3A state tournament. She was a first-team All-Wesco 3A South selection and established herself as one of the top players in the area.

“Madeline is a tough competitor and has the ability to grind out wins against some great opponents,” Glacier Peak coach Micah Perron said. “And she’s able to do it with a smile on her face. She is one of the sweetest girls I have coached and the team loves her. .”

Myint-Zu Kyaw Sr. | Ed-Woodway

Kyaw was 15-1 last season while holding down the No. 1 singles position for the Warriors. She then joined teammate Hannah Rehnfeldt and won the district doubles title to clinch a berth in the state tournament, where the duo placed fourth. Kyaw also placed fifth at state in singles her sophomore year.

“Myint-Zu has been a dedicated player for four years,” Warriors coach Dan Crist said. “She never misses a practice and helps her teammates become stronger players. As a result, she was voted captain by this year’s squad.”

Marina Ciferri Jr. | M. Getchell

Ciferri, a third-year player, is the captain of a veteran Marysville Getchell squad that returns nine players. Ciferri won 11 matches at No. 1 singles as a sophomore and now realizes she’s a formidable opponent, MG coach Andrew Christopher said.

“She’s starting to develop some mental toughness and now sees herself as equals with the best in our league, whereas last year, she would enter some matches wide-eyed and sometimes not thinking she was at their level.”

Tina Liu Jr. | M. Terrace

Liu finished the 2014 regular season undefeated at No. 2 singles, winning almost half her sets 6-0. In the postseason, she teamed with Allison Lorraine to win the district championship. The duo finished eighth at state and both will be back this season, along with Nicki Bouche, who qualified for the state singles tournament.

“Tina is not only a good player, she is also a very kind and thoughtful girl,” Hawks coach Alberto Ramirez said. “She is a multi-talented and an exceptional human being. Tina is always eager to lend a hand as well as tennis advice to new players. I am lucky to have her on the team.”

Shaelyn Huot Jr. | Lake Stevens

An All-Wesco selection last season, Huot played No. 3 singles player behind Lake Stevens stars Megan and Erin Huffman. A converted hockey player who switched to tennis after six year on the ice, Huot is now being looked to as a leader for the Vikings.

“The balance required for hockey transfers very well to the tennis court and you can see that in the way she moves on the court,” Lake Stevens coach Jeff Leer said. “… The thing I love about Shae the most is her coach-ability and I’m excited to have her anchor our lineup for the next two years.”

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