PENDLETON — A little of this and a little of that can describe the 2022 Pendleton Heights girls tennis team. The Arabians have some experience but are also looking to the future.

Seventeen make up the roster with a mix of seniors, juniors and freshmen. All three singles positions boast returning players for this season. Returning this year is senior Abby Cruser at No. 1 singles. Cruser led the Arabians last season with a 16-3 record and was named All-Hoosier Heritage Conference and all-district.

Junior Jess Thompson is slotted for return at No. 2 singles.

“Three singles may be a little more of a toss-up,” said coach Royce Hammel. Senior Camille Spencer played No. 3 singles most of the time last year, but junior Josie Graves is in the mix for the No. 3 spot on the court.

In addition, some of the girls in the running for doubles may take a shot at singles later in this season or next. Hammel is looking at seniors Abi Rosenkrans and Faith Bluel as one of his two doubles teams. Bluel is the lone returning player with doubles experience. “They have worked together a little,” Hammel said. “Nothing is really set in stone as yet, but they’ve played together and are getting to know each other better on the court.”

Hammel said junior Ellie Manchess is another Arabian showing potential. “She doesn’t have a lot of power but gets the ball in play and has a knack for keeping the ball in play. She’s in the mix for No. 2 doubles as well.” With the doubles teams being new, Hammel wants to focus on consistency, keeping the ball in play and taking advantage of the opportunity to place the ball.

While the Arabians finished last season at 8-11, Hammel is looking to equal or better the record this year. “I’m stressing keep the ball in play. Some of our top players know there’s a time to hit the ball hard and a time to be soft. If we can keep it in play and let them make mistakes.”

Of the four freshmen on the team, three have court experience from the middle school.

Hammel said while his veterans are seasoned and know what to do, he wants the bulk of the team to work on hitting, playing, positioning, winning and getting the team experienced in matches. “If they get more of an idea what will happen, they’ll get more on their own go out and hit and come back experienced.”

The Arabians have two foreign exchange students on the roster as well. Leane Sauge is from France, while Carla Zacares is from Spain. Raushan Ibragim, from Kazakhstan, is acting as one of the team managers.

After a scrimmage with Mississenewa, the Arabians open their season with a match at Mt. Vernon. Their home opener is Monday, April 11, against Marion. They will have but one practice between that match and opening play in the Madison County Tournament April 13, when they take on Elwood.