By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
ALLEGAN
New season.
Same expectations for Allegan.
“It’s the same expectations every year for us,” Allegan coach Damien Arthur said. “Allegan girls tennis has a long history of contending for conference and regional championships as well as top-10 finishes at the State Finals.
“Last year we fell short on two out of three major goals, taking fourth at regionals, thus not making it to the State Finals. But we expect to do those things this year and as a coaching staff we’re going to look hard at the why, how and what of achieving those goals.”
The return of seven players—led by junior Addy Fales—should help the Tigers in pursuit of their goals.
Fales is back at No. 1 singles after earning First Team All-State at that flight last year.
“An area of great strength is having Addy back at No. 1 singles for the second year,” Arthur said. “Her talent has us up 1-0 on teams before we even play, which is a luxury in this sport.”
Also back are fellow juniors Sophia Augustine (No. 3 doubles), Taylor Fuller (No. 1 doubles), Hanna Kievit (No. 1 doubles) and Madison Cook (No. 2 doubles) along with sophomore Ireland Dewey (No. 2 doubles) and senior Lilli Kelley (doubles).
“We have a lot of depth and talent this year, with 14 girls pushing for a top 12 spot on the team,” Arthur said. “With that depth, we have a lot of experience too. All the returning players from the program put in a ton of time to their tennis game and it has really shined.”
Newcomers include senior exchange students Judith Ducurau and Jazmin Fodor. Senior Shy Thompson joins sophomores Serenity Puente and Kaylee Haas as well as freshman Kendall Halstead as the other newcomers.
“Our newcomers have put in the time during this school year and offseason, making it an incredibly competitive,” Arthur said. “The competitiveness has really brought out the best in these girls.”
It’s a lineup that Arthur believes with be in the hunt for the SAC/Lakeland Conference championship. He expects other contenders to include Berrien Springs, Brandywine, Buchanan, Kalamazoo Christian and Black River
“It will be another great year for the SAC/Lakeland Conference,” Arthur said. “Berrien, Buchanan, Brandywine and Black River are bringing back the majority of their teams. All five of the other schools are well coached, and I am looking forward to competitive conference season.”
When it comes to the postseason, this will be a history-making season for Allegan, as the girls program will compete at Division 4 for the first time. The Tigers were previously Division 3.
“This program has new opportunities and challenges ahead, which makes me very excited for this year’s team,” Arthur said.
OTSEGO
There will be several new faces on the Otsego roster this season.
That includes the head coach.
After guiding the program to unprecedented success the past three seasons, Jen Aldrich decided to retire from the coaching ranks.
Taking her place are co-coaches Melissa Garrett and Kim Kissel.
On the player side of the equation, the Bulldogs lost seven players to graduation from a team that won the Wolverine Conference title for finished the season ranked in the top 10 in Division 3.
That includes Aly Aldrich, who held down the No. 1 singles spot the past four seasons.
Despite those changes in personnel, Garrett is optimistic that Otsego can continue the success it has enjoyed the past several years.
“We graduated a super talented class in 2024,” She said. “However, we are ready to compete this year and look forward to promising season.”
Senior Cierra Swope is one the five returning players. She’ll move from No. 3 doubles to No. 1 doubles. Junior Ellie Korringa, who played at No. 2 doubles last year, will be Swope’s partner.
Junior Hailey Burd is making the shift from No. 2 doubles to singles, while sophomore Lydia Griffith will stay at singles after playing No. 3 last year.
Sophomore Sara McCaw, fourth singles a year ago, can play either singles or doubles.
“Sara’s a very versatile player,” Garrett said.
Among the newcomers who could make an impact are senior Manu Marchi, junior Hope Stender, sophomore Stella Houseman and freshman Alie Bronson.
“Manu will be making her debut in singles this season and Hope will be one to watch” Garrett said. “Stella is powerhouse at the net with a ton of potential and a growth mindset, while Alie has lots of promise and motivation.
“Laney Sweet, Ava Ingold and Greta Robbers are also first-year varsity players who are ready to work hard and grow this season.”
All in all, it’s a group that Garrett believes is full of potential.
“This is a great group of talented athletes and I think Otsego will surprise a lot of opponents this year,” Garrett said. “The girls have put a lot of effort in during the off season and it’s paying off.
“This year will be about gaining match experience, as we have lots of up and coming talent with this group.”
If the younger players are able to learn as the season progresses, Garrett believes the Bulldogs will once again be in the hunt for a Wolverine Conference title.
“We have great team chemistry and work ethic,” she said. “That will pave the way for success and growth this year.”
Note: No preview information was received from Hamilton, Plainwell or Wayland.
