Girls Tennis Preview

Kofa Kings
Top returners: Michelle Manon, soph.; Ashley Curiel, sr.
Key newcomers: Diana Negrette, sr.
Coach Danilo Montialli comments: “I expect us to come out and compete. We lost some seniors, but we can do well if we come ready to play.”
The lowdown: Manon returns after a successful freshman years as Kofa’s No. 2. Now a sophomore, she’ll step in as the Kings’ top player with a pair of seniors in Curiel and Negrette providing help as No. 2 and No. 3.

San Luis Sidewinders
Top returners: Cristina Piceno, sr.; Audi Diaz, sr.,; Karen Beltran, jr.
Coach Nicholas Bray comments: “I really do expect to win a majority of the matches in Yuma.”
The lowdown: In his first year as the Sidewinders’ head coach, Bray has a potentially solid doubles team in Piceno and Diaz, who will play at San Luis’ No. 1 and No. 2 in singles, respectively.

Yuma High Criminals
Top returners: Ariana Calderon, sr.; Rebecca Garcia, sr.; Angelica Urquidez, jr.
Key newcomers: Paula Covarrubias, fr.
Coach Mike Moreno comments: “We have two seniors, two juniors and the rest are freshman and sophomores. I think they’ll play hard, but I’m not sure on the experience, yet.”
The lowdown: First-year coach Mike Moreno will have his hands full this season. With many young players with little to no tennis experience, he’ll balance the future while using seniors in key roles, such as Calderon, who will most likely be the Criminals’ No. 1.