Panther tennis looking to make racket in Valley New quintet hopes to help Pacelli By MIKE KEMMETER of The Gazette The Stevens Point Area Senior High School girls tennis team is in position to defend its conference title, but with five new players Pacelli's season outlook is clouded. The Panthers, led by returning state qualifier Annie Howley (Sr.), finished in a three-way tie for the Wisconsin Valley Conference title a year ago. The team debuted Wednesday at its own SPASH Tournament. "SPASH was one of three teams that tied for first and I hope we can do that again," SPASH coach Nancy Schmidt said. "This team certainly has the talent to win the conference." Schmidt has reason for her confidence. Howley is one of six seniors on the team that has nearly a dozen players with varsity experience. Returning varsity members are: seniors Claire Boylan, Casie Crubaugh, Bailey Menzel, Amber Yudchitz and Jodanna Bugarske; juniors Rheanna Ruedebusch, Stephani VanKleef, Colleen Dougherty and Jesse Palmer; and sophomore Meagan Palmer. They will be joined by freshman Lauren Hom, who Schmidt said will make the varsity team. "There's a lot of depth on this team," Schmidt said. "We have a lot of players who are capable of playing varsity. It's the best team depth-wise I've had since I started coaching." Individually, Howley will have the No. 1 spot at singles, and is she is shooting for the medal stand at state. "Her goal this year is to be back on that podium. And she's been working hard to do that," Schmidt said. But Schmidt would like to see more Panthers advance to the final meet of the year, too. "There were some people who were close to (advancing to) state last year. Hopefully this year with some breaks and some good play, I hope they can do that," she said. Stevens Point Pacelli At Pacelli, Coach Mary Ann Nigbor has five new players at her disposal, so she's not exactly sure what the season will hold. The team faced its first challenge Monday, dropping a close 5-4 nonconference match to Baraboo. "Because I have five beginners, I don't know how we'll match up with other teams," Nigbor said. Seniors Joy Jacoby and Kelly Fletcher; sophomores Jennifer Mitchell and Emily Swenson; and freshman Denise Lukaszewski form Nigbor's new quintet of players. Returning for the Cardinals are: seniors Melissa Schuler and Jennifer Whittington; junior Sara Strnad; and sophomores Mandy Clifford and Erin Spitz. In their first dual against Baraboo, Strnad played No. 1 singles and Schuler competed at No. 2.