After reaching the State Final 8 in doubles last year, Heather Hawke hopes to boost the victory total on a more experienced SBCC women’s tennis team. The Vaqueros went 4-10 last year and finished fifth in the WSC with a 4-8 record.
“We have great potential this season,” said first-year coach Debbie Ekola. “We have a full roster of 11 players and all are experienced players. We are solid at the top, middle, and lower end of the ladder. They are all a great group of committed players. I look forward to seeing them in competition.”
The Vaqueros open their season Wednesday with a 2 p.m. home match against Reedley. On Feb. 6, they’ll travel to El Cajon to take on defending state champion Grossmont.
Ekola said she has two or three returners from last year, depending on an eligibility issue. Key newcomers are Meghan Schaefer of San Diego and Carla Dauden of Brazil, who figure to be in the top three in singles, along with Hawke. Hawke, an all-CIF player from Palos Verdes High, will play with Schaefer in doubles.
“We need to work out and practice hard with a focus on consistency, placement, and power,” said Ekola, when asked about the keys to success. “Of course, I want to win conference, but I think we have a good chance to finish in the top three and make it to the State Finals again in doubles and maybe in singles.”
