Alta returns five starters to tennis courts

Five varsity starters and two state champions return to the Alta tennis courts. The experience the quintet gained last year has Alta girls tennis coach Karl Packer expecting his team to be in the running again this year.

“Our returning varsity players make our team very solid,” he said. “Plus, we have some excellent players to choose from to round out the remaining two varsity slots.”

Returning to the team as state champions are Brie Beck and Ashley Anderson. Beck, playing last year in the number one doubles position, captured the state 5A title with partner Hope Masters. Anderson was the state title holder with partner Lynsie Wolfe in the number two doubles slot. Both Masters and Wolfe graduated last spring.

In part because of the titles won in doubles Alta managed to place second as a team at state in 2010. The school that beat the Hawks out of the title slot, Skyline, has moved on to 4A play this year.

Alta returns its three singles players from last year. Emily Tanner took an 8-5 record into state play as a freshman last year while holding down the number one singles slot all year. Killian Doran, also a sophomore this year, was 10-4 going into the number two slot at the state meet. Packer expects both girls to lead the team this year.

“They were battling at the first of the season to see who will take over the number one slot, but both will be great weapons for us,” he said.

Alexis Nielsen, now a senior, sat in the number three singles position last year, and picked up her first two wins in the state meet before dropping out of the tournament. Packer had her paired with Beck in the number one doubles team to begin the season. He also moved Anderson into the number three singles slot.

“They wanted a change of pace and we tried some things,” he said.

Now, midway through region play, Nielsen is back at number three singles and Beck is paired with Anderson at number one doubles.

“That is their comfort zone and it is paying off for us,” Packer said. “We want to have the girls in positions to be the best possible team we can field.”

Sophomore Sarah Willes and freshman Mariah Petersen are new to the varsity squad and have taken over the number two doubles spot.

The moves have paid off as the Hawks have taken victories over all Region 4 opponents, including usual powerhouses Brighton, Jordan and Cottonwood. The only loss Alta has suffered came at the hands of Lone Peak during the preseason.

 “We are a young team, but I feel good that we have the depth and experience,” Packer said. “But time will tell how good we can be.”