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Highlands Today

Sebring Netters Ready Tennis For Season

MARK PINSON/Highlands Today

Sebring's Abhi Seetharamiah looks primed to have a strong season for the Blue Streaks.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

Published: February 16, 2009

SEBRING - After losing only one starter to graduation and with eight returning players, Sebring boys tennis coach Jack Holt has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the 2009 season.

"We've got a solid nucleus of players back from last season," said the third-year Blue Streak coach. "We finished third at districts last year and with the experience we gained we should be much improved."

Leading the way at No. 1 for the Class 2A Blue Streaks is senior Abhi Seetharamiah, who is a four-year varsity player and has a distinct advantage being a left-hander.

"Abhi hits the ball hard and has a fast serve," said Holt. "He is working on staying focused the entire match and keeping the ball in play.

"He's learning that you don't have to hit the ball hard every time to be successful."

At No. 2 is junior Mike Reed, who has three years of varsity experience.

"Mike was a district champion as a freshman and has worked hard to become a complete player," said Holt. "I'm real pleased with his play, but he has a tendency to win the first set and then relax.

"He needs to stay on his opponent and finish them off."

At No. 3 is junior Kyle Komisar, who won the district singles championship at No. 4 last year and was Highlands Today's co Player of the Year last year.

"Kyle is very fast and covers a lot of ground," said Holt. "He doesn't hit the ball hard, but he keeps it in play and frustrates his opponent with his quickness.

"He needs to work on his backhand and his serves to take that next step."

At No. 4 is junior Nikhil Raghuveera, who was also Highlands Today's co Player of the Year last year.

Raghuveera went 12-0 last season at No. 5 singles, including winning the Heartland Conference title, but he was unable to compete in the district tournament because of an injury suffered in a car accident.

"Nikhil has a great work ethic," said the Blue Streak coach. "He practiced over the summer and has improved every aspect of his game.

"He has good footwork and does a good job of moving his opponent all over the court by playing angle shots."

Rounding out the squad is senior Chris Horta, who played some last season, standout swimmer Brian Miller and sophomore Andrew Cedance

"Chris got some experience last year, but he worked hard to improve his game," said Holt. "Brian is a natural athlete and Andrew is very coachable."

Sebring hosts District 9 rival Hardee at 3 p.m. today at the Country Club of Sebring courts in its first match of the season.

"We have a nice mix of experience, youth and talent," said Holt. "I'm looking forward to the first match and I think we're going to have a great season."

The Sebring girls team returns three starters from last year's squad that placed second at the District 9 tournament and lost in the regionals.

At No. 1 singles is junior Kelsie Johnson, who made it to the state tournament at No. 1 doubles with partner Mary Midence last year.

"Kelsie played at number three for us last year," said veteran Blue Streak coach Janie Hollinger. "She has worked hard on her game and will be playing the other school's best player every match.

"It's a big step up for her, but she has good placement on her shots and I think she's ready."

At No. 2 will be senior Alyssa Kariofyllis, who is in her third year of varsity.

"Alyssa is motivated to improve and has worked hard on her game," said Hollinger. "She decided she really wants to play and I'm looking for big things from her."

At No. 3 is junior Kelsie Tucker, who is in her third year of varsity.

"Kelsie played some last year and is going to be counted on to step up this year," said the Blue Streak coach. "She is very steady and will improve with each match she plays."

Playing at No. 4 and new to the team is senior Heather McIntyre, who is an outstanding cross country runner.

"Heather is an outstanding athlete," said Hollinger. "She is very coachable and is only going to get better."

Junior Shana Bassett is at No. 5 and has the ability to score plenty of valuable points for the Blue Streaks.

"Shana is very determined and wants to do well," said Hollinger. "She is very athletic and just needs some matches under her belt."

Alex Birdwell and freshman Kaley Walter provide valuable depth for the Blue Streaks.

"With only two seniors, this is one of my youngest teams," said Hollinger. "This is kind of different, but the girls are all working hard and are very coachable.

"It should be a fun season and we're anxious to get started."

The Blue Streaks host Hardee in their first match of the season at 3 p.m. today at the Sun 'N Lake Country Club courts.

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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