The Souhegan High School boys tennis team has always seemed to rebuild on the fly.

They did a fine job of it last year, still advancing in the Division II tournament.

As a result, the Sabers graduated just one senior and now have a lot of experience returning for head coach John Kilgore and assistant Anthony

Fernandez. And a lot of players as 17 fill up the roster, nine of them seniors.

Returning players are seniors Joshua Goddard and James Zeolie and sophomore Ryan Fernandez to formulate the top three, not necessarily in that

order.

Newbies include sophomore Sam Bartle and freshman Owen Van Hooser, challenging Matthew Yates and Andrew Rosse for the bottom three spots on the ladder.

“The top half of the ladder is all set,” Kilgore said. “We will win or lose based on how well the bottom of our ladder plays. We’re looking to have a stronger group of doubles teams this season.”

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GIRLS

Souhegan has three returning starters, senior Maddie Daniel, junior Tylee Jancar, and sophomore Mishka Tower.

Freshman newcomer Caroline Drum should also help out.

“I think if we keep working hard and gain more match confidence, we may make the playoffs,” Sabers coach Bo Dean said.

Milford also had a good turnout, with five returnees and 10 new players. Returning seniors Emma Grovesteen, Adrianna George, Dzenana Harambasic and Juliann DeGraffenried will be counted on for leadership, etc.

“Not a lot of prior experience overall, but plenty of motivation to learn and we have athleticism in our new players,” Spartans coach Nancy McManus said.

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DIVISION III

The Warriors program is in peril. Back are seniors Elisabeth Jacob at No. 1 and Erin McDonald at

No. 2.

“We’re optimistic we’ll win a few more matches than last year with an extra year of experience,” Warriors coach Frank Bujak said.

But, with just four players, the Warriors will have to forfeit three spots on the ladder (two singles, one in doubles) and will start each match down 3-0.

As Bujak said, since his four players are seniors, “This will likely be the last year for girls tennis at WLC.”

There hasn’t been a boys program there the last few years, either.