Search, Kyllonen, Rockwell lead Bulldog tennis team in 2016

SANDPOINT — With 13 returning varsity letterman, and a bunch of new talent fighting for varsity spots, Sandpoint once again figures to be one of the top tennis teams in North Idaho.

Leading the way will be the juniors Laney Search and Khloe Kyllonen, who won districts last year and gained valuable state experience by advancing to the semis of the main draw. Both athletic and consistent, the pair figure to be a contender for a state title in girls doubles if all goes well.

“They will be difficult to beat again this year,” says head coach Kent Anderson, who has a very deep girls team with no weaknesses in the lineup. “I've seen marked improvement in all the girls in technique, conditioning and foot speed so far this spring.”

Senior Cassidy Story resumes her familiar role in No. 1 singles, featuring a patient and defensive game with occasional winners mixed in, and will look to break through for a trip to state.

Seniors Caroline Suppiger and Violet Plummer return with varsity experience, and will most likely mix in at doubles as the season progresses. Junior Liz Parsley, sophomores April and Amy Clark, and freshman newcomers Alana Seifert and Allura Livingston will all vie for varsity spots.

“It'll be an interesting four years watching them develop,” predicts Anderson of his hard-hitting freshman duo. “April and Amy have improved their serves, foot speed and consistency. Liz has added more consistency to her powerful groundstrokes and will definitely have a great season.”

Leading the boys team will be junior Patrick Rockwell, who went to state last season in mixed doubles, followed by a strong mix of juniors in Logan Temple, Jacob Jackson, Reilly Wolfe and Koen Conner. Senior Michael Favor is a singles specialist, and could play No. 1 is Rockwell opts for doubles.

“The boys are athletic and strong top to bottom,” describes Anderson. “Patrick returns at No. 1 but will be challenged by the top 5. Our No. 1 doubles team of Reilly and Jacob just missed winning regions and return stronger this year. This should be their year.”

Newcomers Jake Aguirre and Charlie Crane are welcome additions to the team, with Anderson describing both as great athletes that are extremely fast with exceptional hand-eye coordination. Koen Connor, another new face in the varsity lineup, should win plenty of matches.

“Logan and Matthew are amazing, with strong strokes and huge serves,” praises Anderson, who feels Favor could surprise some people. “Michael rarely misses. He probably has our most consistent ground game and is very difficult to beat. I really can't pick a most improved player in this group, they are all very tough. This is the deepest we've ever been.”

The Bulldogs travel south to face Lake City today, while JV team hosts its first match at Travers Park at 3 p.m.