By Dale Miller
dale.miller@theindependent.com

The first day of practice did.

While seniors Kelsie Olson, Brigette Root and Sharon Zach have earned spots in the Islanders' lineup, the battle for the final three positions remains up for grabs.

"We have six seniors and three underclassmen who are pretty experienced," said Nancy Cowgill, who is GISH's co-coach along with her husband Scott. "They are fighting for the top six spots on varsity. We've temporarily got (a lineup) established for Friday, but it'll probably change from there."

Making things tough on the coaches is the fact that those in contention for roster spots keep trading wins amongst each other during matches in practice.

Ashley Wiedel, Christina Bandasack, Sara Petska, Alicia Wheeler, Hannah Huston and Bailey Patsios are the top contenders for lineup spots.

The trio at the top of the ladder is a solid foundation to start with.

Olson and Root, who will walk-on to play volleyball at Nebraska, were Class A quarterfinalists at No. 1 doubles last year.

Cowgill feels Olson has really stepped up her game entering her senior season.

"Kelsie was really passionate (about practicing) this winter and has improved as much as we've seen from someone who hadn't picked up a racquet before high school," Cowgill said. "She wants to play college tennis."

Zach played at No. 1 singles at last year's state tournament.

With the lineup in flux, doubles teams will be tested out early in the year, too.

"We'll be changing up our doubles," Cowgill said. "It's hard when we don't have (a lineup) definitely established."

With 21 girls out and working hard, Cowgill is excited entering the season. She feels the Islanders will get a strong test to start with.

"Fremont could be a top five program," she said. "They had a very good nucleus (back from) last year."

Grand Island looks for its own success throughout the season.

"I hope we're competitive against teams who we're in equal situations with," Cowgill said. "We'd like to be a solid team in duals and have a chance to send some girls to day two at state."

The Islanders open their home schedule April 1 against Columbus. They have five home appearances this year, including the annual Grand Island Classic tournament on April 25.

Schedule

March 21, at Fremont; 25, at Lincoln East.

April 1, Columbus; 3, at Lincoln Southeast; 4, at Omaha Westside Invite; 8, at Lincoln High; 10, at Kearney Doubles Tournament; 18, at Millard North; 19, at Fremont Invite; 22, Hastings; 25, Grand Island Classic; 29, Norfolk.

May 2, at Lincoln North Star; 6, Kearney; 9, at Lincoln Northeast; 10, at HAC Tournament; 15-16, State Tournament at Omaha.