Girl's Tennis Preview: James Wood

Coach: Sharon Sweet, 2nd year

Last year: 5-11

Key losses: Headley Wilson (Northwestern District and Region II champ, Group AA state singles runner-up)

Top returning players: Fae Schweitzer, Soph.; Tarah Wampler, Jr.; Emily Purnell, Sr.; Holly Landes, Sr.; Rachel Sours, Sr.; Kelsey Nicely, Jr.

Newcomers: Allie Cooper, Fr.; Ashley Hillyard, Fr.; Katie Schott, Fr.

Outlook: Three of the Colonels' top six players are seniors so Sweet hopes the team can be more competitive but also build for the future.

Wood must replace Wilson, who went 23-1 and finished as the Group AA state runner-up after winning both the Northwestern District and Region II singles title.

"Last year we were pretty reliant on Headley at No. 1," Sweet said. "As a team we'd like to grow an get our freshmen ready. We'd like to fill the void left by Headley - and not only her ability but also her leadership."

The Colonels opened with a 9-0 non-district win over Liberty on Monday.

Sweet said the team's goal is to improve overall as a team and in the district.

"We'd like to take last year and build off that and get some more district wins," Sweet said. "Last year we were pretty competitive with Millbrook and Skyline, but I think we'll be fighting for every match [in the district]."

Next match: Tuesday, at Broadway, 4:30