Lady Bulldogs Ready for Net Work

The Milbank Area girls tennis team plans to bounce back in the 2016 season using their senior leadership. Their first match is set for Tuesday, August 23, at Cantine Courts.

Four seniors return for the Lady Bulldogs: Paige Johnson, Tatiana Stemsrud, Sarah Jarman, and Jamie DeVaal. “Our four seniors had fine seasons last year. They were a big part of getting eight dual wins and playing well enough in the state tournament to push us to the century mark in points and a 14th place finish. They have a good work ethic and attitude and lead by example. They can also draw from league play and experience gained through camp and tournament play during the off-season. It will be a fun year,” said Head coach Jim Dahl.

Other players battling for the remaining varsity positions are: returning junior Jodi DeVaal; and newcomers Hallie Essington, Rhianna Cantine, Rhianna Welberg, Jenna Johnson, Bailey Frerichs, Kaitlyn Schmitt, Morgan Folk, Jessica Fenhaus, Mackenzie Michels, Hattie Muellenbach, Alexis Ninneman, and Camryn Popowski.

One change this year is the number of matches a player must compete in to be eligible to play in the state tournament. Last year’s requirement was five; this year it is eight. “Because of this change, we are working to get our lineup set early to insure players get enough matches in to qualify,” Dahl explained.

Coach Dahl returns for his fourteenth season. He has a 69-51 record against Class A schools. Dahl will be assisted by Abbey Trapp and Steve Stemsrud. “They really pitch in with everything – from driving a Yukon to matches to helping players on every level,” Dahl said.

The team has set some high goals for itself: to improve their record, win more than eight dual matches, and score 100 or more points at the state tournament. “Individually, I hope the girls play with more confidence and continue to be good sports on and off the court. I would like to see players increase their enjoyment of the game through learning to implement tactics and strategies,” Dahl added. “I also want the girls to focus not so much on the score card, but how to play points tactically and with proper sportsmanship.”

The complete schedule for Milbank Area girls tennis includes:

Bulldog Girls Tennis