Blue Streaks On The Rise

SEBRING -- After falling short of winning district titles last year, the Sebring High School boys and girls tennis teams are focused on reclaiming district supremacy.

"We've got a nice blend of players on the team this year," said second-year Blue Streak boys coach Jack Holt. "We're fairly young with only one senior, but the kids have had a great attitude and have been working hard to prepare for the season."

Team captain Jake Broen is the only senior on the squad and brings a vast amount of experience to the No. 1 position.

"Jake is consistent and has good placement on his shots," said Holt. "He has a strong forehand, a good work ethic and is a team leader."

Junior Abbi Seethafariah is at No. 2 for the Blue Streaks and being left-handed is proving to be a definite advantage.

"Abbi has a lot of power and is learning to play within himself," said Holt. "He's learning you don't have to kill every ball and that placement and hitting corners is a key element of winning tennis."

Michael Reed is a sophomore and will play at No. 3 this year, as he gained valuable experience last season on varsity and ended up winning the district title at No. 5 singles last year for the Blue Streaks.

"Michael has really improved his game by going to different tennis camps," said the Sebring coach. "He has a strong forehand, has excellent quickness on the court and is only going to get better."

Sophomore Kyle Komisar is at No. 4 and has quick reactions and a solid forehand.

"Kyle is learning the game and is very coachable," said Holt. "He has exceptional speed and gets to a lot of balls."

Sophomore Nikhal Raghaveera is playing varsity for the first time and is working hard on his game at the No. 5 position.

"Nikhal has a strong desire to improve," the Sebring coach said. "He's working on every aspect of his game and will get better with each match he plays."

Sophomore Mickey Lunes and Vihang Nakhate are playing varsity for ther first time and are working hard to improve.

Freshmen Brian Miller and Andrew Midence give the Blue Streaks valuable depth and have shown a lot of promise in practice.

"The kids have been practicing and working hard," said Holt. "They are excited about the season starting and so am I."

Sebring is at Lake Placid at 4 p.m. today for a match.

The Blue Streak girls team boasts talent and experience with four seniors leading the way.

Senior Mary Midence has played varsity for four years and brings determination to the No. 1 position and a focus on winning to the squad.

"Mary is consistent and tenacious," said Blue Streak girls coach Janie Hollinger. "She loves to compete and always gives a good effort."

Senior Sheila Joshi is at No. 2 and is another player that never quits.

"Sheila is such a competitor," said Hollinger. "She is very determined when she steps on the court and always gives one hundred percent."

Sophomore Kelsie Johnson is at No. 3, is playing varsity for the second year and has worked on becoming more consistent.

"Kelsie has solid ground strokes and is a steady player," said the Blue Streak girls coach. "She is working on coming to the net to become a complete player."

Senior Ashley Jimenez is at No. 4, has played varsity for three years and has shown great improvement.

"Ashley is working hard on her game," said Hollinger. "She his very coachable and has the desire to improve."

Sophomore Kelsey Tucker is at No. 5, is in her second year of varsity competition and has developed solid ground strokes.

Freshman Renee Livingston and junior Alyssa Kariofyllif provide excellent depth, while senior Leeza Freeland is a natural athlete.

"Renee is working hard on her game and Alyssa has developed an awesome backhand," said Hollinger. "Leeza played last year and her athleticism is evident on the court."

Sebring hosts Lake Placid in a match today at the Sun 'N Lake courts.

"We have a close-knit team that has worked hard to get better," said. Hollinger. "Our goal is the district championship and we can't wait to get the season started."