CAPE CENTRAL TENNIS TRIES TO KEEP STRING OF DUAL WINS INTACT

It won't be easy, but Cape Girardeau Central High's girls tennis team will shoot for a third consecutive undefeated dual-match record and Class 4A district championship this year.

The Lady Tigers have gone 12-0 in duals each of the past two seasons and both campaigns were capped by district tournament titles.

Charleston will also be aiming to keep a lengthy streak intact as the Lady Blue Jays try for their sixth straight Class 1A-3A district crown.

Jackson, which has also been among the area's better squads the past few years, will shoot for another successful season while Chaffee continues to strive for improvement as it faces the task of being the area's smallest tennis-playing school.

Following is a preview of how those four local teams shape up as the girls tennis season gets going this week:

Cape Central

Despite returning just three letterwinners, coach Annette Slattery still expects the Lady Tigers to be solid this season.

But, as far as compiling a third consecutive undefeated dual-match record? Well, Slattery doesn't want to think that far ahead just yet.

"We haven't mentioned or talked about that yet," she said with a laugh. "Of course it would be nice, but it's always tough to do."

Still, Slattery likes the look of her squad.

"We're looking really good," she said. "Our JV has been undefeated the last two years and, even though those girls haven't had a lot of varsity experience, they played a lot this summer and should really help us."

Returning varsity performers from last season are seniors Laura Golike and Jessica Campbell and junior Elizabeth Russell.

Five juniors are up off last year's JV squad: Jessica Burns, Kelley Green, Rebecca Bieser, Leslie Wagoner and Beth Bishop.

Slattery also has high hopes for senior Eliane Hess, a foreign exchange student from Switzerland.

Central opens the season Sept. 1 at home against Poplar Bluff.

Jackson

The Lady Indians certainly face a lot of question marks after losing their top five players from last year's squad that went 12-3 in dual matches.

"We're very young," said coach Linda Adams, "but we have a good bunch of girls and they're working very hard. We'll just have to see what happens."

Two players with varsity experience from last season are senior Emily O'Loughlin, who figures to play at the No. 1 position, and junior Amy Lefebvre.

Adams will also be counting on the likes of seniors Abbie Propst and Jessica Seabaugh; junior Brooke Stephens; sophomores Sarah Propst and Jessica Nelson and freshmen Nicole Poythress.

Jackson begins the season Wednesday at home against Chaffee.

Chaffee

The Lady Red Devils have only eight players on their entire roster, but four of them saw varsity action during last year's 4-10 campaign.

"They're all doing a really good job," said coach Amanda Horrell. "It looks like everybody has improved."

Returning varsity players are seniors Betsy Rice and Jenine Sadler and juniors Kristen Bailey and Michelle Crowden.

Horrell will also be counting on junior Ami Trost, sophomore Courtney Harris and freshmen Callie Meyr and Desiree Holtz.

Chaffee opens the campaign Wednesday at Jackson.

Charleston

Mitch Baker has built up quite a dynasty as coach of the Lady Jays and, even though he returns just two varsity regulars from last year, Charleston should once again be an area power.

The Lady Jays went 13-3 in dual matches last season, losing twice to Cape Central and splitting with Jackson.

Returning for Charleston are two 1997 state qualifiers, seniors Jenny O'Rourke and Whitney DeLay. O'Rourke will be entering her fourth season as a varsity regular.

Four juniors up from last year's JV, who Baker said are all about even, will be counted on: Elizabeth Rowe, Katie Whitehead, Jodi Bledsoe and Tonya Nolen.

"We'll have a lot of inexperienced players, but I think we'll be competitive," Baker said. "Jenny and Whitney are very good players and we've got a good group of juniors."

Charleston begins the season Thursday at Caruthersville.