ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 27, 1997 TAG: 9703270017
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS THE ROANOKE TIMES
Two games. That was the difference between a state championship for the Radford Bobcats girls tennis team and the runner-up trophy. This year, the Bobcats aren't talking second place.
Radford is the preseason favorite to repeat as champions of the Three Rivers District. The Bobcats have already set their sights on a return trip to the Region C and Group A state tournaments. Radford fell 3-6 to perennial state power J.J. Kelly in last year's state finals.
"The girls are willing to work hard, and they know that's what they'll have to do to get where we want to go," said Betty Branch, one of two coaches for the Bobcats. "We want to do as well as last year and a little better ... even just two games better and it would have been 5-4 instead of 3-6."
Radford boasts a very experienced lineup, with five of the top six girls being seniors. The only exception is No.2 Emily Nester, a freshman. Despite her youth, Nester has had plenty of competition experience.
"We're going to be very experienced," Branch said. "Almost all of these girls have been at it for four years, and they know what it takes to win."
Mandy Harless returns as the Bobcat's No.1 seed for the third straight year, with twin sister Ashley and Jessica Reed holding the third and fourth slots. Ivonne Reed is expected to fill the fifth position, with the team's other four athletes still competing for the sixth and final spot.
"Right now we're getting them ready mentally," Branch said of herself and coach Susan Cox. "We're keeping them focused in on keeping the ball in play and focusing on their own court - not everybody else's. That, and of course, we're having a little fun."
A look at other area teams:
Coach Kathy Duncan's 15th year with the Auburn Eagles is looking just as unpredictable as her last. For the second consecutive year the Eagles are packed with youth and inexperience. There are no seniors and just two juniors on the roster. The team's other six competitors are freshmen and sophomores.
"We do have three coming back that did a great job for us last year," Duncan said, "but really we're still in the rebuilding process. They didn't win a lot of individual matches, but did gain valuable experience that will help us improve this year."
Filling in the top three spots for the Eagles are returners Kristen Bishop, Laura Teany and Mandy Rorrer. The remaining three positions are still up for grabs.
With a year's experience under her belt Floyd County coach Ann Harman thinks she is better prepared to handle a team that lost just one top-six seed from last year to graduation.
"I have a little more experience and so do the girls," Harman said. "I think we'll be pretty strong."
The Buffaloes lost No.2 Dreama Lovitt, but return their other five starters. Leading the pack is senior Misty Mannon, entering her second year as the top seed. A pair of sophomores, Meredith Evans and Erin Yearout-Patton, will handle duties at the two and three seed positions.
"Misty is a smart player," Harman said. "No other team in the district lost their No. 1 either, so it'll be a tough year for her. More than anything, though, she provides strong leadership for the new girls."
The Giles Spartans have everyone back from a year ago when they finished second in the Three Rivers with an 8-2 mark. Coach Kay Rakes, in her 10th year at the helm, has also added her daughter, Pam Monk, to the coaching mix. Monk served as the head coach at Narrows last year.
"She went to school at Narrows and then started coaching there," Rakes said. "We used to coach against each other, now she's helping me instead."
The mother and daughter duo will have plenty of talent to work with. Senior Jamie Jennell will continue play at No.1 with Michele Johnston and Julie Keating sharing time at the second and third spots. Heather Austin, Holly McCall and Amy Ryder also return, rounding out the top six.
"Although I don't like to say it, of course our goal has to be winning the district," Rakes said. "I know Radford is going to be tough again though, they always are. But I've been very proud of the way the girls have played so far."
Shawsville finished third in Three Rivers action last year, and with just one loss off last year's team is looking for improvement. First-year coach Mike Naff has 13 girls out for the team, including the Shawnees returning top-seed, junior Sarah Hagood. Senior Staci Harless is expected to move into the No.2 spot vacated by Shannon Radford, with Heather Hall and Mary Cunney filling in the third and fourth position, respectively.
"Right now are top four girls are all returning," Naff said. "With that experience we're looking to move up in the district. These girls have got the talent to do it if they decide they want to work hard at it all year."
Blacksburg looks to make an impact in its first year in the Blue Ridge District with a powerful No. 1 seed. The Indians return sophomore Yasamina Hilu, the Group AA state singles runner-up a year ago, to the top spot. Second-year coach Jennifer Buckley said the team, which won the New River District title a year ago before falling in the first round of Region IV play, is looking good.
"I think without a doubt we can win the district," Buckley said. "I have a hard-working team that plays tennis year-round. They are a real dedicated group, and they really want it."
Moving into No.2 is junior Megan White, who was on the team but not among the top six a year ago. Junior Brea Strager, sophomore Sarah Prupas and juniors Suzanne Gerus and Sarah Hobeika round out the top six.
The Christiansburg Blue Demons also have a lot to look forward to, although their rewards may be a few years down the road. Coach Scott Habeeb has 23 girls out for the team this year, enough to form an A and B unit. Twenty of the 23 girls are freshmen and sophomores.
"A lot of the girls won't get a lot of playing time this year, but it's nice to see so many girls have an interest. It bodes well for the future of our tennis program. The ones who aren't ready for competition now will have a great chance to work and improve for next year."
The Demons will spend their first year in the Blue Ridge rebuilding after the loss of their No.1, 4 and 5 seeds to graduation. They also lost their second seed to a shoulder injury.
Two-time all-New River District selection Kristin Habeeb will move into the top spot for Christiansburg, with the team's only other senior, Jessica Memitt, filling in at the No.2 slot. Sophomore Natalie Huvar is slated as the team's third seed.
First-year coach Bryan Patteson may be new to the tennis courts at Narrows, but he is very familiar with the girls he'll be coaching.
"I've got 11 girls, all seniors and sophomores and all played girls basketball for me so I know they are good athletes," Patterson said. "And they are certainly used to winning, so hopefully that will carry over to the tennis courts."
Leading the way for the Green Wave is senior Suzanne Webb, who has captured the Mountain Empire singles championship and advanced to regional competition the past two years. Lined up for the No.2 and 3 slots are seniors Amanda Clemons and Amber Collins. Sophomore Loraine Fleeman has grabbed the fourth position despite her first year playing tennis, and senior Janell Skeens will play fifth. The remaining players are still vying for the team's sixth position.
LENGTH: Long : 130 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: GENE DALTON/THE ROANOKE TIMES. Two sets of sisters whoby CNBplay for Radford. From left: Ashley and Mandy Harless, and Ivonne
and Jessica Reed. color.