Winning district titles is becoming the norm for the Jefferson City Lady Jays tennis team. Final Four appearances were occurring just as often.
After reaching the Final Four three straight seasons, the Lady Jays fell one win shy of extending their streak to four in a row last fall.
"Losing 5-4 in the state quarterfinals (to Kickapoo) last year was hopefully an experience that will motivate our returners that were there that day," Lady Jays head coach Henry Thompson said.
Thompson hopes if his team is fortunate enough to encounter another tough postseason matchup this fall, they find themselves on the winning side of a close battle.
"Several of our varsity players definitely put in a lot of work in the offseason," Thompson said.
The Lady Jays, which begin their schedule today in the two-day Southwest Missouri Invitational at Springfield, graduated three of their top six varsity players since last season after finishing with an 18-9 team record.
Erica Dunn, a junior, will be the No. 1 singles player this year.
"Erica, with her lessons and playing in a ton of tournaments and tennis leagues throughout the offseason, she got a ton of match experience," Thompson said.
Dunn was paired with Athira Nambiar, an outgoing senior, in doubles last season. The duo advanced to the state playoffs in doubles competition before losing in the quarterfinal round.
Filling the next two spots on the varsity roster are the Lady Jays' other two varsity returners, with sophomore Susan Meyer at the No. 2 singles position and junior Bailey Patrick at No. 3.
"We're really counting on those two," Thompson said. "Granted, they don't have a ton of experience, but they have been through a full varsity schedule. They know what it's all about."
The remaining three spots on varsity will likely be filled by upperclassmen.
Kirsten Schwandtner, a senior, and Quintera Lewis, a junior, will be Nos. 4 and 5, respectively. Senior Olivia Hart is one of three girls vying for the No. 6 spot.
"All three of them are very, very consistent," Thompson said. "All do a very good job of competing, hustling, and are all very, very quick.
"They really make it tough for themselves to lose, and that's a great thing to have at those four, five and six spots."
Thompson said freshman Bailey Higgins and senior Quiana Young are also in the mix for the last varsity singles spot.
The three doubles pairings are up in the air heading into this weekend's tournament, Thompson said, but Meyer and Patrick were No. 2 doubles partners last year.
"On each of those doubles teams, we need someone who's willing to step up and be a leader," Thompson said. "Leading by example, leading vocally, being willing to pick up their partner when their partner's not having the best day out there."
Getting back to the Final Four for the fourth time in five years is one goal for the Lady Jays, but first they want to extend their district title streak.
"Our ultimate initial team goal is to win districts," Thompson said.
The Lady Jays will play their first home match Thursday against Kickapoo at Washington Park.