Tennis opens season Friday

While large amounts of snow may have sent them inside for their first few practices, Whitehall High School Tennis coach Kerry Sacry is happy with the progress of his team.

The Lady Trojans will open their Friday and Saturday at a tournament in Great Falls. The team was scheduled to compete Thursday in Boulder, but the event was cancelled Monday.

Sacry said things have been going good for the team and there is a total of nine players out. He added the time inside was helpful because the girls were able to practice with foam balls and really work on their technique and fundamentals.

Sacry is pleased with his returning squad and is also excited for the four newcomers who he said are really good athletes which allows them to pick up a new sport quicker.

"It's a fun group to coach," he said.

The five returners will be led by junior Britney Welker who Sacry said was just a couple of points away from qualifying for the state tournament. Sacry said being that close to state should have left a bad taste in her mouth and she will certainly want to qualify for this year's state event.

Whitehall will once again be competing in one of the toughest and the largest conference in Class B/C. Sacry said Townsend, Three Forks, Boulder, and Big Sky all could do well this season.

With a busy schedule the next few weeks, Sacry is hopeful for good weather, adding one season they were only able to compete in six of their 12 scheduled events.

The members of the 2019 team are Alicia Konold, Bailee Hess, Hannah Tebay, Madison Homer, Welker, Meagan Johnson, Kendra Klapan, Macee Patritti and Dalaney Scafani.