Freshmen Should Have Big Impact on Stuart's Tennis Team

Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred heart is rebuilding its tennis team, but the team has great building material.

Stuart's middle school team was undeafeated last season and those players are now feeding the high school team. Add in the returning high school players and Stuart should have a competitive squad.

"We lost a lot of kids (before last season)," Coach Dede Webster said. "We had a lot of new kids that got experience. Many of those kids have returned."

Katherine Hagestad, a junior, played first singles last year. She was at that spot again when Stuart was defeated in its season opener on Tuesday, Sept. 13 by Princeton Day School, 5-0.

It took Webster a long time to configure the lineup due to preseason rain.

"We go in and condition in the gym when it rains," Webster said. "You can't really play in there because the ball doesn't bounce correctly. Unless you have an indoor court, you're kind of stuck."

Kyra Bradley, a junior, started the season at third singles. Julia Rourke, an upcoming freshmen, started at second singles.

"Julia was a very pleasant surprise," Webster said. "She is a very versatile player."

Freshman Maya Kuang broke into the lineup at first doubles. She is partnered with Olivia Corr, a junior.

At second doubles are Mariah Guarnaccia and Kanika Sharma. Both juniors were doubles players last year.

"I think we'll be stronger than last year," Webster said. "The kids we have back have quite a bit of experience. We also have some new blood." 

Stuart will compete again on Monday and Wednesday in the Mercer County Tournament, which will be held at Mercer County Community College.