Seniors leading the way

Looking for their first conference crown in three seasons, the Nevada Lady Tiger tennis team is stacked at the top with experience, as three seniors will lead the club in 2005.

Returning seventh-place state singles performer Lisa Pendrak returns to play number-one singles for the second straight year.

Pendrak set a school record for singles victories in 2004, notching a 26-7 record to go with a second-place district finish and her impressive state tournament performance.

She will be flanked by fellow seniors Emily Teepe at number-two singles, and Lauren Compton at number-three singles, giving the varsity squad a solid number of upperclassmen to lean on.

Playing number-four singles is sophomore Molly Ferree, who played on the varsity as a freshman.

Another sophomore, Megan Stacy, will play number-five singles, also with some varsity match experience.

Newcomer Whitley del Rosario, a freshman, will likely be the number-six singles player with junior Anita van Rooyan supplying depth.

"This time of year we all look great," head coach Dennis Pendrak said of preseason practice.

Pendrak said the goal is to secure the team's first conference title since 2002, when the team finished a decade of dominance with its 10th consecutive crown.

The past two years the Lady Tigers have been looking up at different conference winners, and Pendrak wants to change that.

"Our seniors, you kind of know what they're capable of. Our next three have all come back improved," he said. "Will it be good enough? I don't know.

"We think we're contenders again."

Pendrak said the three seniors have taken it upon themselves to provide examples to the younger players.

"These seniors have really taken their roles seriously," he said.

The Lady Tigers open the season Thursday with a match at Joplin.

The home opener is Friday against Webb City at 4:30 p.m.