Warriors look to Nelson, Waldron

Edmonds-Woodway’s top two singles players are getting the job done.

Junior Michelle Nelson has lost only one match this season at No. 1 singles, while Waldron is undefeated at the No. 2 slot.

The Warrior duo played doubles in the postseason last year, winning the Western Conference South Division and Northwest District championships.

“They’re getting older and are more experienced,” said Edmonds-Woodway coach Dan Crist. “They know what to expect. I think that’s huge.”

Also back for the Warriors is Sheridan Smalley, who’s at No. 3 singles. Sophie Robin and Sarah Fine currently are playing No. 1 doubles with Jessica Steiner and Annie Wilson at No. 2 doubles.

“We didn’t lose a lot (from last year),” Crist said. “I think we’re OK.”

Missing from last year is No. 1 singles player Kira Kearsley, who did not turn out this season.

“We should be competitive with everybody,” Crist said.

Here is a look at the other three Edmonds District teams.

Lynnwood

The Royals saw a significant increase in turnout with 55 players out, as contrasted with the low 20s the past couple of years.

First-year coach Bill Moliter was the head coach at Kentlake for 12 years and was an assistant coach under former coach Jim McKinnon.

“We have a lot of raw players,” Moliter said. “We need to keep getting better.”

Unlike many teams, Lynnwood doesn’t have any individuals who are year-round players, which of course puts the Royals as a severe disadvantage

Some of the increase in numbers can be attributed to new junior varsity coach Lindsay Hunter, who encouraged many of the new players to turn out for the team.

Senior Kelsey McCartney, a volleyball standout, is playing at No. 1 singles with seniors Becka Magnemat and Rachel Wong at No. 1 doubles.

“They (Magnemat and Wong) work pretty well together,” Moliter said. “They fight pretty hard. I like the way they play.”

The goal for 2009 is simple – all around improvement.

“We want to develop some of the JV kids so that they’re ready in the future,” Moliter added.

Meadowdale

The Mavericks’ No. 1 doubles team of seniors Sara Portesan and Lianne Fijalka has dropped only one game out of their first 16 sets in 2009.

The two offer contrasting and complementary styles. Fijalka enjoys playing up at the net, while Portesan is effective with her overhead shots. Fijalka and Portesan won the Wesco 3A and Northwest District doubles championship. The two co-captains advanced to the second day of the Class 3A state tournament.

Portesan has improved her serve this season, not only in terms of power but also placement, said Meadowdale coach Mark Schneider.

Also back and expected to contend in the postseason are seniors Erica Landa and Maya Mahkonen.

“All four of these individuals are expected to do very well in the postseason tournament as the top doubles teams for Meadowdale,” Schneider said.

Junior Olivia Bates is at No. 1 singles. She’s been on the team since her freshman season.

“She’s got great ground strokes,” Schneider said. “She has good power and great serves.”

Sophomore Josie Dow is at No. 2 singles and senior Natalie Buslach is at No. 3 singles.

A newcomer who has a bright future is freshman Isabelle Reeb, a steady and consistent player.

“Isabelle is not only a patient player but she keeps the ball in the green,” Schneider said.

Mountlake Terrace

The Hawks have plenty of seniors with half of the roster entering their final season, but age does not necessarily equate to experience, which unfortunately is lacking.

Many of the players do not play year-round and it’s difficult to get them in playing shape in a couple of weeks, said Mountlake Terrace coach Alberto Ramrez.

Despite the lack of experience, the Hawks pulled out a victory over Glacier Peak and had respectable showings against perennial league powers Shorewood and Edmonds-Woodway.

Junior Teryn Bouche and senior Ann Truong are the Hawks’ top players. Ramrez has paired the two in doubles in addition to having them play singles at times.

“They seem to understand each other,” Ramrez said. “They do work as a team. They enjoy playing together.”

Also back are twin sisters Ashley and Alexis Juretich, who also play doubles.

“They are improving,” Ramrez said of his players. “They enjoy playing tennis. We’ve had a lot of close matches with tough schools. I’m very confident they’ll improve by the second half of the season.”