Wildcats' program is on the upswing

BY ED WRIGHT
March 30, 2010, 11:55 a.m.

  First-year Plymouth girls tennis coach Rob McLaren inherits a line-up that is largely intact from last spring when the Wildcats proved to be ultra-competitive in the talent-heavy Kensington Lakes Activities Association.

  The team's singles roster will be topped by sophomore Sarah Mitchell, who will hold down the No. 1 slot, and senior Priya Joshi, the No. 2 player who will  serve as a co-captain along with No. 1 doubles player Allison Santori.

  "Sarah put in a lot of work during the off-season and has improved a ton," said McLaren, who was an assistant coach for the Wildcats last spring. "Priya is a very steady player who out-wills her opponents. She provides great leadership, too."

  An outstanding student, Joshi excels off the court as well, serving as the president of the school's student government.

  The Wildcats' singles slots will be more-than-adequately filled by sophomore Lindsay Stemberger and freshman Kirthi Duraiswami.

  "Lindsay is relatively new to tennis, but she's such a great athlete that she picked up the sport very quickly," said McLaren. "Kirthi hits the ball very hard. Once she becomes a little bit more consistent, she'll be tough to beat."

  Santori and senior Lauren Jeong give the Wildcats a top-notch No. 1 doubles tandem. Their talent and chemistry will make them one of the teams to beat throughout the season.

  Also earning doubles spots are: juniors Kayla Griffey and Britta Swanson (No. 2); juniors Andrea Haidar and Brittany Rose (No. 3); and senior Annie McKenzie and junior Iulia Fratila (No. 4).

  The No. 5 doubles slot wasn't decided as of Monday, but a pair of freshmen -- Marlowe Susselman and Aru Hadagali -- have looked strong during pre-season workouts, McLaren said.

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or info@plymouthcantonsports.com.