A strong player turnout is fueling anticipation that the Superior High School girls could be a formidable team this Spring.

Along with the host of newcomers to the team, head coach Angie Hopwood’s Lady Bobcats will feature a returning MVP and Divisional champion, along with two state qualifiers from last year’s team.

Evidence of that optimism was on display this past weekend when Superior hosted Mission on their home courts in Superior.

Sophomore standout Lanie Crabb, who also had an eye-catching basketball season, got things started for the Lady Bobcats in their matches with Mission. As a returning Divisional champion in her freshman year, Crabb is being counted on to provide consistent team points this year and Saturday was no exception.

Crabb, who has a poweful, laser-like serve, posted a dominating 6-0, 6-0 win in her season opening match against Allyson Umphrey of Mission. Crabb was overwhelming from start to finish as the teams hurried to complete play under threatening and rainy skies.

Also recording a match victory for the Lady Bobcats was another sophomore, Sicilia Slattendale, who beat Mission’s Ahni Umphrey 6-2, 7-5 in a hard fought match.

Mission would go on to take the other four singles matches that were played, as well as the doubles match, where Jazmin Druffle and Emily Morigeau of Mission bested Superior’s Olivia Greuter and Trina Azure, 6-2 and 6-3.

Slattendale was named last year’s Dedication Award winner for her hard work during her freshman season.

“My team is very hard-working,” said coach Hopwood. “They are dedicated and they lift each other up”.

Those qualities in young players can bolster hopes for current and future success on the courts.

“I would like to see our consistency improve every year, with fewer errors,” Hopwood added.

Still, Hopwood and the Lady Bobcats, who make up the only high school tennis team in Sanders and Mineral Counties, are looking to increase their success in the playoffs and in the number of state qualifiers.

“Nobody placed at state last year,” Hopwood said, “but Lanie came close. I’d like to see some more girls place at state this year”.

And as they strive to improve, Hopwood said teaching the girls the game of tennis goes beyond their high school playing time.

“I want my players to develop an appreciation of the game so they can play tennis for enjoyment the rest of their lives,” she said.

Superior's next match is April 7 when they travel to St. Ignatius for a return meeting with the Lady Bulldogs.