ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Bulldogs tennis team is coming off a strong third-place finish at the state tournament last season and while they lost two-time singles champion Spencer Ahlborn, there is plenty of reason for optimism as the 2012 season gets under way.

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Bulldogs tennis team is coming off a strong third-place finish at the state tournament last season and while they lost two-time singles champion Spencer Ahlborn, there is plenty of reason for optimism as the 2012 season gets under way.

Karl Daniels, half of last season’s sixth-place state doubles team, returns as the Bulldogs’ top singles player and has been working hard to follow in Ahlborn’s footsteps.

“Karl did work in the offseason by going to camps, taking lessons and playing some USTA tournaments and that makes a big difference when it comes to such a short tennis season,” head coach Kimimi Ashley said. “I think that playing doubles last year helped him develop a sense of how to put together a point tactically.”

Felix Sonntag is another singles player to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

“He is new to our program and has had some tennis background,” Ashley said. “He has the potential of making some noise as he gains confidence in his playing.”

Coming up through the JV ranks are Chris Camel and Troy Bontrager, two players Ashley has high hopes for.

“They both have improved on their groundstrokes and once they become more consistent they should be bringing in some wins,” Ashley said. “Becoming comfortable with their footwork and becoming more aggressive will bring their levels up.”

The doubles team of Harry Suta and Katz Yelsa are new to the doubles scene, but Ashley said that once they better understand the strategy behind it, they will gain ground.

“I look for them to be a formidable team by the time state comes around,” Ashley said. “Harry has really been soaking in the teaching and stepping up as a player at practice.”

ZeeShaun Ali and RJ Blood are holding down the second doubles spot as they continue to get better.

“Both have improved so much in the short amount of time we have played,” Ashley said. “ZeeShaun has never played before and so they are both learning as they go.”

The team hasn’t been able to get a lot of practice in thus far considering the unpredictable weather, but has made strides in their limited court time.

“We have been focusing in on consistency with their groundstrokes in the beginning and now we are moving on to the tactics of putting together a point in the second half,” Ashley said. “We want to know how to put together the shots to end the point.”

Loyola 6, Mission 1

MISSOULA — In their second contest of the season, the Bulldogs stayed close at times, but were downed by Loyola 6-1.

“I would like to see more competitiveness out of all of them,” Ashley said. “Even though they may be just starting their playing, I want to see the hunger for taking the match and walking off the court knowing they gave it their all out there.”

Daniels moved to 2-0 on the season with a close 6-4, 7-5 victory over Matt Roberts.

“Karl hasn’t hit his stride yet and we need to have him playing more during practices,” Ashley said. “His serving is better than what he has been showing during his matches and I would like to see him coming to the net more when he sees the opportunity.”

Sonntag stayed close with Kalen Christiaens before falling 6-4, 6-2. Mission’s other two singles players, Camel and Bontrager, managed a few games before losing 6-2, 6-1 and 6-1, 6-2, respectively. Suta and Yelsa, still learning the nuances of the doubles game, fell 6-0, 6-1 and Ali and Blood rallied late, but were defeated 6-1, 6-4. Blood and Bontrager teamed for a second varsity match, but were downed 6-4, 6-2.

Ashley is hoping that the team develops more intensity soon, which she believes will come with more confidence in what her team is doing.

“The high school tennis season is a short season, so you need to come out with the competitive spirit right from the beginning and grow into getting better at the playing and the shot making,” Ashley said. “Sometimes, just being competitive and playing from the heart can make you come out with a win because you stuck with it and kept fighting back.”

The boys faced the Ronan Chiefs on Tuesday, April 3, but results were unavailable at press time.