CLARK FORK — Returning with state tournament experience and the confidence that comes with it, senior Heather Wold and junior Lyndsie Kiebert will team up in girls doubles to lead the Wampus Cats tennis team this season.

The two three-sport athletes made the segue from volleyball to basketball and now will  join forces on the tennis court, looking to make some noise this season.

“”We’re both confident we’ll make it to state,” said Wold. “Now our goal is to dominate at state.”

Jeff Emmer takes over a program that has been built up over the years by Mary Jo Lambert, who stepped down after last season. Emmer inherits a mostly young team, and will be looking for Wold and Kiebert to lead the way.

“They’ll be a dynamite doubles team,” said Emmer, who praised the aggressiveness of Wold. “She puts everything into every hit.”

Sophomore Geoffrey Boudousquie will lead the boys team, returning with a year of varsity experience, and he’ll be joined by Jake Agguirre, Niko Icardo and James Cope.

Junior Annie Wurm and sophomore Leslie Kiebert both return with varsity experience to lead the girls team.

Per usual, the Wampus Cats practice on just one tennis court, but a beauty it is, perched along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille and featuring a clear view of Schweitzer. Emmer lauded the attitude of all 13 players, a great number for a 1A school.

“They love the game, and when you love something, you excel at it,” said Emmer, who has five players new to tennis. “Even the ones who’ve never picked up a racket before.”

The Wampus Cats open the season today at Troy, Mont.