LAKEVILLE - Following a season filled with fine accomplishments, the 2024 edition of LaVille girls tennis is set for the next chapter in its history. Led by IHSAA No 1 singles' sectional champion Elaina Franz and Hoosier North Athletic Conference No. 1 doubles champions Emily Atkinson and Lauren Hominiuk, the Lancers closed out an exciting 2023 spring season.  Franz defeated her opponent from John Glenn to win the IHSAA individual singles title and advance to the LaPorte Regional.  Franz was eliminated from the IHSAA singles state tournament by her opponent from Whiting. As the 2024 season gets underway, a couple of returning letterwinners, along with several new players are excited to get things going. "Our team is looking extremely promising this season," said first-year LaVille girls tennis coach April Miller.  "Our two returning players have worked hard in the off season and both moved up the ranks! We have a lot of newcomers with a lot of potential!" Miller stepped in for Melissa Haisley, who stepped away after 10 seasons at the helm of the Lancer girls tennis program. Among those back this season are senior Hanna Girst and junior Sydnee Miller. Miller might be new to the tennis coaching ranks, but started with challenge matches and 12 new players that are excited to learn more about the game. "This year was hard for me as an incoming coach both getting to know the girls and their strengths," said Miller. "But also because most of the girls are brand new to the sport. A lot of hard decisions were made and a good amount of challenge matches were played." To start the season, Sydnee Miller is expected to be the No. 1 singles player.  Girst checks in at No. 2 singles and freshman Lorelei Carey in the No. 3 singles slot. "Sydnee is a hard hitter and fierce competitor and has taken on a strong leadership role," explained the first-year skipper. "Hanna has a sweet demeanor but means business on the court and has a strong return shot. Lorelei has a strong serve and is very competitive." With the weather being what it is in northern Indiana, Miller likes what she has seen from her team so far. "When we can get outside things are shaping up extremely well!" said Miller.  "Everyone is working hard, staying focused and ready to get the season started." As we transitioned into discussion about who will lineup at doubles, the Lancers will have an entirely different group. According to Miller, #1 doubles will start off with freshman Cloie Davis and junior Meghan Menting, while #2 doubles will be sophomores Lilly Higley and Sacchy Demiar. "Even though Cloie and Meghan are both quiet they work very well together," noted Miller.  "(they) show a lot of potential as a team, each bringing their own specific skill to the court. Lilly Higley and Sacchy Demiar are both competitive in different ways and are ready to prove themselves and take the court." When asked what impresses her the most about her team early in the season, Miller said, "the thing that impresses me the most in practice is how well we work as a team and how well we support each other which makes us stronger as players and helps us grow stronger.  My biggest goal for this season is to see this team grow and succeed! As a fairly fresh and new team they have a lot of big goals, which I think is amazing and I can’t wait to see what this season brings!" LaVille opened the season at the John Glenn Invitational on April 6 with Knox and Rochester at John Glenn High School.  The Zebras scored 11 points for first.  The host Falcons and Redskins tied for second with 9 points, while LaVille finished fourth with 1 point. The Lancers return to action on April 10 at Rochester.  First serve is tossed up at 5 p.m. 2024 Girls Tennis Head Coach: April Miller (1st year at LaVille) Assistants: Jessica Maenhout, Allyson Maenhout Letterwinners Lost: (6) Emily Atkinson, Elaina Franz, Lauren Hominiuk, Francesca Locatelli, Emily Meissner, Annabelle Miller Letterwinners Returning: (2) Senior - Hanna Girst. Junior - Sydnee Miller. Newcomers: (12) Senior: Caterina Rota. Juniors: Katelyn Henry, Louise Isenberg, Meghan Menting, Jordyn Rousculp. Sophomores: Lilly Higley, Peyton Arnett, Sacchy Demiar. Freshmen: Lorelei Carey, Cloie Davis, Kenzie Kahle, Syra McCallum. Next match: April 10 at Rochester, 5 p.m.