Staff Writer

Tennis season is bouncing toward Scarborough High School.

The girls’ tennis team finished last season with an undefeated 11-0 regular season before losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Gorham Rams. Second year head coach Lincoln Macisaac said he will have plenty of skilled players for the upcoming season.

“We’re actually pretty deep,” Macisaac said.

Macisaac said he will have experienced singles players returning including junior Shannon Eddy, senior Amy Buttarazzi and sophomore Jenna Posey. However, Macisaac said freshman Kasia Jania will be his top singles player.

“She’s a smart, energetic, polite kid,” Macisaac said. “Her tennis skills are one of the tops in the state. She has the opportunity to be a contender at the singles level.”

At the doubles level, Macisaac has returning senior Courtney Hughes, junior Crysty Tsujiura and senior Allie Pastori. Freshman Rachel Webber is among newcomers in doubles competition.

“She’s fundamentally sound and makes good tennis decisions,” Macisaac said.

Macisaac said Gorham will be the team to beat for the upcoming season. While the Red Storm will not play the Rams during the regular season, Macisaac said he hopes to see Gorham in the playoffs.

“We want to face them, but that’s contingent on making the playoffs,” Macisaac said. “They are the team to watch out for.”

Macisaac said the Windham Eagles will also be a tough opponent. He said both their top singles players were young last season and will return.

Macisaac said the team works on fundamentals during preseason, including positioning and footwork. He said younger players learn how to hit the ball over the net and where to hit it on the other side of the court. He said he tells players to “hit over the net, hit it in play, and hit it with an attitude.”

Macisaac said the preseason is used as a time for doubles players to get used to each other and work together on the tennis court.

“It’s the fundamentals of doubles [play] that determines how you’ll do,” Macisaac said. “That’s where you win the points.”

The Red Storm begin their season on the road against the Massabesic Mustangs at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 27.