Monte Vista Girls Tennis Preview: Young, Talented Team Out to Win EBAL Title

School: Monte Vista

Sport: Tennis

Coaches: Patty Gross, Rich Favreau

2009: 16-9, second-place EBAL

Key Returners: Jackie Lamb, Kaitlyn Haithcock, Betsy Main

Top Newcomer: Kristina Hovsepyan

Quote: "We only have four seniors; that makes us young and inexperienced, but also very hungry and teachable.  (We have) 12 sophomores and they have really worked to improve their games, too. Our goal is to take back the EBAL title." –Patty Gross

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The reason for optimism on the Monte Vista High tennis courts is, in part, because of the talented youth that will be featured in 2010.

Should the Monte Vista girls tennis team improve on its second-place finish of 2009, this season may be the beginning of something special.

It will boast a very young squad composed of 16-player roster this fall; with sophomores out number seniors by a 4-to-1 ratio. And while it may lack veteran leadership, one player does not see that as an excuse for not living up to expectations.

"I don't particularly think so," said sophomore Jack Lamb. "The only real advantage age gives you might be better muscle development; but all of (our girls) are very fit and their talent makes up for what they may lack in physical maturity."

The girls referenced by Lamb are also sophomores. Joining her are Kaitlyn Haithcock, Betsy Main, and Kristina Hovsepyan. This is the core group expected to lead Monte Vista's endeavor to reclaim the East Bay Athletic League title.

And long-tenured head coach Patty Gross likes what she has seen to date from this foursome.

"(Kaitlyn Haithcock and Jackie Lamb), and (Betsy Main) are three returning sophomores in the Top 5," said Gross. "Haithcock has won two open tournaments this summer. Lamb played No.1 for us last year and Main had some great wins in tryouts."

Rich Favreau, an assistant the past five seasons, was named co-head coach along with Gross. Favreau indicated that it shouldn't be much of a change.

"(Patty) has been at this for a long time," he said. "We both know that there's never enough coaching (at this level) and that's most important."

Titles notwithstanding, both are very excited about the newest addition to the team, Kristina Hovsepyan. Hovsepyan did not play during her freshmen season. She cited her fundamentals needing more seasoning. So she spent the year with a personal coach, and plans on reaping the benefits this season.

"Last year, I had just started training with a new coach so I had to focus on that and time was very limited," she described. "It is always nice to have support from people around me, especially coaches, but I always give 110% at all my matches."

Gross added that if don't know her by now, you'll know who by season's end.

"(She) is going to help us a lot and make an impact for us," Gross said. "She will definitely be someone to watch. She is a very strong player and will have the No. 1 spot."

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