Interest at All Time High for Girls Tennis

It’s a good think Liberal’s new tennis courts at Blue Bonnet Park were ready for this season. Sixth year head coach Bret Irby needs all the space he can get as a large bunch of LHS girls flock to the Rowley Tennis Courts after school for practice. There are 30 girls out for the sport. Most of those players are picking up the sport for the first time, but Irby welcomes the interest. Irby is also excited about the six new tennis courts in Blue Bonnet Park. Liberal will host Ashland for a dual Thursday at 3 p.m.

Liberal’s lineup early in the season will likely pit senior Lauren Harp at number one singles with classmate Maddie Rees at number two singles. The number one doubles team right now is a pair of newcomers senior Jayce Darroch and junior Stephanie Sanchez. The number two doubles team is senior Vickie Calderon teaming with junior Marissa Rodriguez. Junior Samantha Rodriguez also figures to find her way into the varsity lineup this season. Liberal also has a new assistant coach. David Short, a former 5A tennis player at Topeka West joins Irby’s staff.

August 23- Ashland

September 6- at Ulysses 3 p.m.

September 8- at Great Bend 9 a.m.

September 13- at Dodge City 3 p.m.

September 17- at Scott City 1 p.m.

September 22- at Garden City

September 29- at McPherson 9 a.m.

October 1- WAC at Garden City 10 a.m.

October 6- Regionals

October 13- State