THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509180306
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
THE EASTERN DISTRICT girls tennis title has long been Maury's private domain.
But Granby and Booker T. Washington caught up last season by putting better athletes on the court.
Booker T. split with Maury last year en route to its first district title and the Comets swept the Commodores to finish second. So Maury is on the comeback trail this fall.
The Commodores have strength in numbers - 30 girls tried out - and more importantly a veteran 1-2 combination in Jennifer Warren and Clea Caldwell. Maury staked a claim to the favorite's role by finishing second in the Newport News Invitational, ahead of Tallwood and Great Bridge, two of the area's better programs.
Booker T. lost its top three players from last year, including district champ Donna Self. The Bookers will also miss coach Paul Palumbo, who stepped down to pursue a graduate degree.
Granby has a potential district champ in Elaine McCall, but she didn't play much this summer and began the year No. 2 on her own team to Carrie Hurst. McCall is a better softball player than tennis player but nonetheless went undefeated in singles in the regular season before losing to Self in the tournament final.
A team-by-team look at the district in projected order of finish:
MAURY Coach: Michael Pugh.
Last year's record: 5-3 district, 6-5 overall.
Returning starters: Jennifer Warren, Jr.; Clea Caldwell, Sr., Alison McPhee, Sr.
Top newcomers: Amy Scholsohn, Fr.
Outlook: The numbers always favor Maury. The Commodores have 13 returning players, including seven seniors. Warren placed third in the district tournament, and she and Caldwell should be two of the top five players in the district.
GRANBY Coach: Bill Lloyd.
Last year's record: 6-2 district, 8-4 overall.
Returning starters: Elaine McCall, Jr.; Carrie Hurst, Jr.; Nicole Bland, Sr.
Top newcomers: Jenny Alindogan, Jr.; Emmily Krakau, Jr.; Sarah Collins, So.; Kristy Alexander, Fr.
Outlook: McCall and Hurst return at Nos. 1 and 2, but the Comets will need more depth to beat Maury. Kraukau transferred from Rhode Island and will play No. 4. Alexander is the future.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON Coach: Nathaniel Baxter.
Last year's record: 7-1 district, overall.
Returning starters: Jennifer McMullen, Jr.; Bonnie Phelps, Jr.; Kim Campbell, Jr.
Top newcomers: Heather Martinson, Sr.; Linda Haynes, Sr.; Cheryl Haynes, Jr.
Outlook: The Bookers traditionally lack the depth to make up for so many key losses. They fared poorly in the Newport News Invitational where only Phelps won a first-round match.
LAKE TAYLOR Coach: Teresa Jones.
Last year's record: 1-7 district, 2-8 overall.
Returning starters: Sook Kam, Sr.; Louella Cables, Sr.; Holly Mumford, Sr.; Jennifer Riddle, Sr.
Top newcomers: Shannon Rosenbaum, Jr.
Outlook: Rosenbaum sat out last season after transferring from Booker T. and will be a big boost at No. 1. That allows Kam, Cables and Mumford to drop down a notch and strengthens the entire ladder.
NORVIEW Coach: Angela Williams.
Last year's record: 1-7 district, 1-7 overall.
Returning starters: Tami Langston, Sr.; Dorian Tinaro, Sr.; Heidi Grace, Jr.; Katie Clemons, Jr.; Ann Beck, Sr.; Sarah Peoples, Jr.
Top newcomers: Phan Son, Sr.; Nina Teann, So.; Rachel Goodwin, So.; Heather Holtz, Sr.
Outlook: This is Williams' first season and she predicts steady improvement. If Tuesday's 8-1 victory over Deep Creek was an indication she is right. Son transferred from Lake Taylor and will play No. 2. ILLUSTRATION: File photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Carrie Hurst is at No. 1 singles for Granby but could relinquish the
spot to potential district champ Elaine McCall.
by CNB