Wildcats set to hold court

CLOVIS — Clovis High girls tennis coach Jeannette Albin is returning a relatively experienced squad as the Lady Wildcats prepare to host New Mexico Military in a season-opening dual at 3 p.m. on Thursday at the CHS courts.

Seven of the team’s 11 players return from last spring, although that season was abruptly cut short in early March by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m real proud of these kids,” Albin said. “They’ve been working hard and improving a lot.”

While Albin is pretty much set with her lineup, boys coach Brad Heath has a few more question marks.

The Wildcats’ only returning varsity regulars are his son, senior Brandon Heath, and sophomore David Case, who will play Nos. 1 and 2 singles and team up at No. 1 doubles. A third returnee, senior Cade Jones, is currently sidelined by injury.

“We’ll give these younger players some experience, and we can build on that,” coach Heath said. “We’ll take it one day at a time.”

For the Lady Wildcats, Albin said seniors Ryan Harmon and Brittney Albin, her daughter, will open at No. 1 and 2 singles against the Lady Colts, and they will also form the No. 1 doubles team.

Junior Ayia Alsaleh and senior Alex Gonzales are at Nos. 3 and 4 singles, and will play No. 2 doubles together. Sophomore Niliayah Hall is at No. 5 and junior Charlese Phillips at No. 6 singles, and they are the No. 3 doubles team.

The other returnee is freshman Kaelynn Rodriguez.

“I’m anxious to see how they do,” coach Albin said. “I know they’re ready to play.”

In District 4-5A, Hobbs and Carlsbad figure to be strong, she said. She’s hoping their overall experience will help the Lady Cats, especially in close matches.

“We have a hard district, but I know they’re going to do well,” she said of her squad. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we do.”

For the boys, coach Heath said sophomore Gerald Gonzales will step into the No. 3 role for Jones, who is nursing a meniscus injury.

“I knew what I had with my first four, but (the injury) kind of changes the dynamic of our doubles play,” he said.

Currently the No. 4 through No. 6 slots in singles will feature seniors Drew Waltz and Brenan Hills and freshman Titus Wampley, all first-time varsity players.

As with the girls, Hobbs and Carlsbad should be the favorites going into boys district play.

“Hobbs and Carlsbad will always be top-notch because of their coaching,” coach Heath said. “I hope to be able to compete. I’d like to be able to beat Roswell (High), but I have no idea where (the level of their program) is right now.”