Reeths-Puffer reached unprecedented heights for its program last season, winning its first-ever GMAA championship and finishing third at the regional tournament. And while the Rockets lost three of their best players to graduation, there's no reason to rule out similar success this season, because there are a lot of good players still in town.
"As a coach, I am as excited as ever with the strength and stability of the program," R-P coach Ryan Hankinson said. "Exciting to see if a repeat of city is in the cards for the team."
Where 2024 saw Brooke Titus and Olivia Harris leading the way as four-year singles stars, this season's anchor flight will be at No. 1 doubles, where Malania Eilers and Gabrielle Borgeson are playing together for the fourth straight season.
"(They) have uncanny twin-like communication powers as a result," Hankinson said.
R-P also has four upperclassmen playing at singles to start the season. Olivia Smith, Hope Latsch, Molly Matz and Mylie Neel make up the singles lineup as the spring dawns; Smith and Latsch are moving over from doubles play. Two seniors - Elana Weiden and Lauren Matz - make up the No. 2 doubles flight.
Sophomores Jayla Brink and Makayla Smith are two of only three underclassmen starting the season in the lineup - they are at No. 4 doubles - and Hankinson said their offseason work has put them in position for success.
