Plenty of questions surround champs

Coming off a state championship, Boulder City High School girls tennis is coming into the season with some question marks.

Bringing back enough experience to remain competitive in the 3A classification, head coach Rachelle Huxford believes the Lady Eagles will still be competitive, but noted that there are questions to be answered before expectations can be made.

“Honestly, coming into the season, I’m not sure what the expectations are,” Huxford said. “Thinking back to this time last year, I didn’t know how good last year’s team would end up being and we won a state championship, so hopefully that’s a good sign. I do believe the girls will be competitive like they are every year and we’ll see if we have the right mix come playoffs.”

Bringing back a strong doubles tandem, Chelsie Larson and Lyla Gunson finished in third place in last season’s 3A state individual tournament and look to be the favorites this season.

“They should be the team to beat this season,” Huxford said. “They got third last season and I know that motivated them to do even better this season.”

Coming together as the Eagles’ second doubles tandem will be Quinn Gibson and Harmony Cook, who was primarily a singles player last season but does have doubles experience.

“Harmony came in last year and played doubles during the playoffs and did a phenomenal job,” Huxford said. “If they can find the right rhythm together, which I expect them to, they will be a very strong team for us.”

Emma Hobbs and Kylee Hodgson are expected to be the Eagles’ third doubles unit.

For singles, Audrey Humphrey and Brooklyn Koster are in the mix for the first two spots, while newcomer Abrina Soares looks to lock up the third slot.

“We’re looking for everyone to step up this season and take on new roles,” Huxford said. “Every year we have the target on our back as the team everyone wants to beat. It’s a lot of pressure but every year the kids do a great job of handling it and playing their game.”

Looking to challenge themselves right out of the gate, the Eagles will travel to 4A Basic on Tuesday for their league opener.