By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – No matter who is playing on the Carmel girls tennis team, the expectations are always high.
This year’s Greyhounds team has several new faces. Carmel began its season Tuesday at the Todd Witsken Tennis Center, where it hosted Jasper in the opener for both schools.
The three-time defending state champion Greyhounds beat the Wildcats 4-1. The lone returning varsity player from last year’s state lineup is No. 1 singles, senior Nora Perkins, who got a hard-fought win over Jasper junior Harper Wigand 6-3, 7-5.
“She had a big win tonight,” said second-year Carmel coach Dan Brunette. “That’s a very strong tournament player that she played.”
The ‘Hounds had two other seniors in their Tuesday varsity lineup. Addison Joyce played with sophomore Gabby Hall at No. 1 doubles, and they scored a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
“Addi Joyce has been waiting for this for four years,” said Brunette, who noted that she has “always been on cusp of the lineup. She put her time in and she came out and executed tonight. Gabby Hall is an excellent athlete. She was close to the lineup last year, but she put a lot of work in the offseason, you could tell.”
Senior Sydney Carroll teamed with freshman Baylie Price at No. 2 doubles; they were 6-3, 6-4 winners. Another freshman on the team is Manogna Pagadala, who won at No. 2 singles 6-1, 6-4.
“For it being their first varsity-experience matches, they played really well,” said Brunette of the freshmen.
At No. 3 singles, sophomore Maddie Littell dropped her match. Junior Grace Kim, who played on varsity last year, is also in the mix for the singles lineup this year.
“Especially for being a first match, I think they played like defending state champions,” said Brunette.
Carmel was to play Plainfield on Wednesday, but the meet was canceled. The Greyhounds are off until Tuesday, April 9, when they host Delta.
“Carmel has been so dominant for quite a while here in girls tennis,” said Brunette. “You don’t really ever use the word rebuilding or anything like that. I don’t think we are. I think it’s next person up mentality and it’s phenomenal to see. It’s an enjoyable experience for the girls team. They’re getting along very well.”