Trojan tennis team gets ready to tackle season

Tennis artwork

by Brad Fuqua & Western News
| April 1, 2010 12:00 AM

Getting out on re-surfaced tennis courts has been a treat for Troy High School’s tennis team this spring. Even better, players haven’t had to pick up snow shovels or take cover inside because of the elements.

“During the first two weeks of practice, we had 10 days in a row with no rainouts,” THS tennis coach Steve Prieve said. “I think that’s a first since I’ve been coaching for the past 18 years.”

Prieve saw good numbers when it comes to the boys’ squad with 18 signing up. Among those will be a few familiar names from last season.

Senior Jake Higgins and sophomore Creede Garcia will man the No. 1 and No. 2 singles positions for the Trojans. Both found some success last year at state and represent the top returnees for experience on the boys’ team.

“We had a lot of freshmen boys come out so we have a pretty big pool here to work with for the next few years,” Prieve said.

For doubles, the Trojans lost its top team to graduation. Kody Hoffman, who played No. 2 doubles last season, returns and will likely pair with his brother, Chris Hoffman, who is a first-year player.

Jackie Pepiot and Tara Duzan return for the THS girls. Last year, the pair teamed up to play in the state tournament. This year, they will occupy the top two singles spots as the season opens.

Prieve said he will likely forfeit at No. 1 doubles and then let Pepiot and Duzan play together in what would amount to exhibition matches in that slot. Under Montana rules, players can officially only play either singles or doubles but not both.

“They’ll get two matches in and get a lot of net play,” Prieve said. “That can only help them in their singles game. I’m looking forward to trying to get more improvement from this year and see what they can do.”

As far as the district goes, Prieve expects Bigfork to have an immediate impact. In previous years when Bigfork had played in Class B, the school was a tennis powerhouse with several state championships.

Nancy Prieve returns for her eighth season as an assistant coach.

Troy’s girls open the season on Friday, April 9 at Eureka. The matchup was originally scheduled for April 2 but was rescheduled. The Trojan boys and girls then play at home on April 10 against Mission.

Boys Varsity Schedule

April 10 Mission 11 a.m.

April 13 Clark’s Fork, Idaho 3 p.m.

April 17 Valley Christian 11 a.m.

April 24 at Bigfork Tourn. TBA

April 30 at Loyola Sacred Hrt. TBA

April 30 at Valley Christian TBA

May 4 Clark’s Fork, Idaho 3 p.m.

May 8 Bigfork (at Libby) Noon

May 8 at Libby 2 p.m.

May 15 Best of West Tourn. at Missoula TBA

Note: The Class B state tournament is scheduled for May 20-22 at Missoula.

Girls Varsity Schedule

April 9 at Eureka 3 p.m.