By Dale Miller
dale.miller@theindependent.com

In fact, coach Matt Westfall sees a bright side.

"We are a little younger than last year's team, but we're improving daily," he said. "We have more upside than last year. We'll get better every day and take our lumps early."

Hannah Bolton, a state champion in Class B at No. 2 doubles, returns to lead the team. Other key returnees include senior Ashley Chalupa, who competed at state at No. 2 singles, and senior Karen Hamik, who also has experience at No. 2 singles.

Some new faces look to make a big impact for the Crusaders. Freshman Jessica Wojcik and Jessica Bender will team at No. 1 doubles. They have experience playing as a doubles team.

Sophomore Nicole Jacobson, a relative newcomer to tennis, will team with Chalupa at No. 2 doubles.

"We have a new crop of faces," Westfall said. "Sometimes you think there'll be a tremendous drop-off when you lose four seniors. But it's not always a big drop-off."

Ultimately Westfall expects GICC to develop into a competitive team.

"Our main goals for this team is to get top four seeds at each of the positions going into state," he said. "That helps in terms of getting easier matches.

"I'd like for us to be in the top three at state. That might be a bit of a reach, but we'll be so much better 10 weeks from now that we won't even resemble where were are now."

The Crusaders open the season by hosting their annual invite on Thursday. Play begins at 9 a.m. at tennis courts around the city. Eight teams will compete, with Westfall expecting Lincoln Christian and Kearney Catholic along with his Crusaders to be among the top teams.

Schedule

March13, GICC Invitational; 18, at Kearney Catholic.

April1, Hastings St. Cecilia; 5, at Ralston Invite; 8, at York; 15, at Adams Central; 19, at Lincoln Pius/Beatrice Invite; 22, Lexington; 24, Wilber-Clatonia.

May1, at Kearney Catholic Invite; 2, at York Invite; 8, at Holdrege.