2018 Faith Lutheran Girls Tennis Capsule

League: Class 4A Mountain

Head coach: Jeff Foley, eighth season

2017 record: 16-5 (10-3 4A Sunset/fourth)

Returning letter winners: Eighteen

Top athletes: Jade Mayweather (Sr.), Summer Stadtlander (Sr.), Kelsie Seigle (Sr.), Kennedy Barr (Jr.), Elyse Dulaine (So.)

Outlook: The Crusaders made their first trip to the Class 4A state tournament and fifth state tournament appearance overall last year.

And it may have been just the opening act.

The entire starting lineup is back for Faith Lutheran, sparked by Mayweather (37-8, state qualifier in singles), Barr (35-6), Stadtlander (36-14) and region doubles quarterfinalists Seigle (33-13) and Dulaine (35-15).

“With all nine starters back from a team that qualified for the state tournament, including six players that won at least 30 matches a year ago, Faith has high hopes for 2018,” Foley said.

The Crusaders also have several strong newcomers and return a starter from the 2016 squad who sat out last year because of injury.

Foley said this may be his best team yet at Faith Lutheran.

“The intense competition for playing time that comes with a deep roster will serve as the impetus for a playoff run,” he added.