It could be another stellar season for the Becker girls tennis team, as an amazing nine returning letter winners return to the court for the Bulldogs.

“I think we have a great opportunity to compete for the conference and the section championship,” said Head Coach Nate Bucher, back for his 11th season in charge of the program.  

“We’ve got some young players who have worked hard in the off-season and are contributing in some important ways on our team.”

Alyssa Stevens, Jen Anderson and Gerry Bass round out the coaching staff, and the Bulldogs are sporting excellent numbers in the program with 33 athletes.

“My first hope is that through the game of tennis, the students continue to learn how to persevere through difficulty and hardship,” Bucher said.  “Tennis is often such an individual sport and the opportunity to develop grit and determination is a major part of playing tennis.”

Bucher’s returning players include: Ava Duncombe, Lauren Croal, Alli Groskreutz, Faith Bass, Payton Enerson, Chloe Spear, Olivia Nieken, Kierra Pfingsten and Emily Huffman.

Overall, the team’s depth could be amazing and lead to a great deal of internal competition this season.  And even with the big team, Bucher looks for his squad to have great chemistry.

“My second hope is about creating an environment where the team community is of the highest priority, for each individual to contend for each other,” Bucher said.

Faith Bass, Groskreutz and Croal will be the senior Captains on the team, which is off to a good start on the season.

“We’ve already seen some exciting points being played with tenacity,” Bucher said.

Opener

Becker picked up an early 5-2 over Rocori by dominating the doubles matches last Saturday.

Groskreutz teamed up with Faith Bass to win the top spot in doubles, 7-5, 7-5, while Enerson and Spear won the #2 spot, 6-0, 6-1.  In #3 doubles, Nieken and Tess Brown were 6-3, 6-4 winners.

In singles play, Lauren Croal and Gracie Conzemius were victorious for the Bulldogs.