The Catalina Foothills High School girls tennis team will be back at the top of the Class 4A Kino Region this year despite a key loss.
The Falcons, who have won four state titles in a row, will be without four-time state singles champion Hala Sufi. But don't expect too much of a drop-off.
"I think everyone is ready to go, but it is hard to determine because we've always maintained a competitive team," coach Kristie Stevens said.
Foothills is led by three-time state doubles champ Karen Groll, who lost partner Mara Frisch to graduation. Junior BreAnn Cheung and senior Gaby Dalkin return. Senior Jennifer Kaufman, who two years ago lost to Sufi in the state title match, is also back.
Desert View coach Stacy Haines is upbeat about his team's depth.
"I have a terrific team," he said. "I've had a different No. 1 player in each practice. I've never had a team like this.
"They support each other and are eager just to beat each other during practice. I'm going to play all 34 of my girls at some point."
PREDICTED FINISH: 1. Catalina Foothills, 2. Desert View, 3. Sabino, 4. Douglas, 5. Pueblo, 6. Amphi, 7. Palo Verde.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: DESERT VIEW: Nayelli Ballesteros, Tanya Cota, Leonisa Lewis. FOOTHILLS: Karen Groll, Jennifer Kaufman, Gaby Dalkin, BreAnn Cheung.
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