Sandpoint tennis kicks off season today

SANDPOINT - When arguably your six best players from the prior season all return, another year wiser, stronger and at least in theory better, it's hard to not have a bright outlook for the 2008 Sandpoint tennis team.

Such hope has come in handy this year, especially when all of the courts in their hometown are still covered with snow, and they've got to face Lake City in their first team match of the season today in Coeur d'Alene. Not to worry. While they may leave a trail of rust on the court early in the season, the finished product figures to be solid when it counts most, as Sandpoint looks to improve upon their fourth place finish last year at the state tournament.

Leading the charge on the girls' side will be junior Abby Helander, who finished third at state in singles. Many of her matches are won by her grinding down her opponent, with equal parts skill and will.

“She's such an athlete, a competitor, dangerous,” says head coach Jane Rockwell. “She's so consistent. In high school tennis, that goes a long way.”

Sophomore Piper Wahlin, along with Helander a starter on the volleyball team as well, brings length and athleticism to the court. She finished third in mixed doubles at state last year. She'll join senior Jess Lindenberg, who Rockwell says is playing stronger than ever, and Bailey Merwin, Hailey Woodruff and Ashley Warrer to give the Bulldogs a host of top-tier players.

Seniors Ryan Williams and Justin Vaughn will return as a doubles team, looking to lead the boys team and improve upon last season, when they won a couple matches at state. Sophomores Dustin Pierce and Mikka Nostdahl start the season as the top two in singles, as each has improved after seeing rare action as freshman. The two were the only Bulldogs to make the championship bracket at the Lewiston tournament last weekend, before the event was rained out.

Ben Murray, Cameron Hay and Steve Gavin provide depth on the boys team.