GOLIKE NETS SPOT ON SE TENNIS TEAM

Lara Golike, a senior at Cape Central High School, recently signed a letter of intent to play tennis at Southeast Missouri State University.

Golike was a four-year player at Central who is known for her doubles play.

She was a three-year doubles state qualifier, playing with a different partner every year.

"She's an excellent doubles player," Central coach Annette Slattery said. "She doesn't necessarily have a stroke that a player would shudder at, but she's a steady player. She perseveres. When her opponents finally realize that they're not going to wear her out, it's not long before she puts them away. It's fun to watch."

Golike went 24-4 in doubles player her senior year and was 59-12 in her career at Central.

She was named team Most Valuable Player her freshman year and was team co-captain her senior year.

"There's just so much to her," Slattery said. "She has great leadership skills. You never felt like you were putting her out when you asked her to do something."

Both the player and the coach share the excitement of Golike being able to play at Southeast.

"I'm really excited that I'm getting to play and in my own town," Golike said. "I hope I can add to the team next fall. They don't have much doubles experience on their team so maybe I can help out."

"It's wonderful that she's going to SEMO," Slattery said. "I'll be able to see her play some and hopefully she'll come back and help us out a bit from time to time."