2017 Rancho Boys Tennis Capsule

RANCHO

League: Class 4A Northeast

Head coach: Kenneth Michaud, second season

2016 record: 12-4 (7-1 Northeast, first)

Returning lettermen: Four

Top athletes: Tanner Albright (Jr.), Ojas Sali (Sr.), Ethan Schwartz (Sr.), Caleb Lewis (Fr.)

Outlook: The Rams had their best season in recent memory last year, winning a league title for the first time since 1999. In the four years prior, the Rams won a total of 11 matches, one fewer than they won last year.

Eight seniors from that squad have graduated, and only two starters return.

Sali was a first-team All-Sunrise Region selection last year, and should be among the team’s leaders along with Albright, who went 22-13 as a freshman and did not play last year.

“This year’s team is learning to become a team as there are several new players,” Michaud said. “I believe we will get better as the season progresses and look to be in the mix for a playoff spot.”