2014 Desert Pines Girls Tennis Capsule

Head coach: Jan Van Tuyl, fourth season

2013 record: 5-8 (5-7 Sunrise, fifth)

Returning letter winners: Six

Top athletes: Ashley Palacios (Jr.), Cecilia Garcia (Jr.), Stephanie Avilas, Cassandra Bueno

Outlook: Palacios was 45-3 last season, and Garcia went 35-15. They’re expected to lead a team that has six returnees.

Avilas and Bueno were 38-10 in doubles last season.

“I am excited about this year’s team,” Van Tuyl said. “We have a group of kids who have worked hard this summer, and I am anxious to see how their dedication and hard work will pay off. We have six girls who have never played before, and that means three months of learning. We have a returning senior who played volleyball last season, but decided to return to us.

“Our philosophy will be ‘Play to have fun, and if we win, great, but if the win doesn’t come, learn from the loss.’ We will be successful regardless.

“This is a fun group of kids who I feel are going to be good by the end of the season.”