BELLINGHAM
RED RAIDERS
Coach: Steve Chronister
Last year: Won the Northwest Conference title (9-0) and finished 16-0 overall in duals. Won the 2A Northwest District tournament. Had one singles and two doubles entries to state. Finished tied for fifth at state.
Players to watch: Bella Hoyos (sr.), Kate Troutman (sr.), Cari Pearsall (sr.), Catie Welch (jr.), Tess Owen (jr.), Kira Vazorka (jr.), Kara Burns (jr.), Mariah Miller (so.), Olivia Giles (sr.), Leah Nichols (sr.)
Outlook: The Red Raiders have one more season with Hoyos, and they plan to enjoy it. "What a player she has been for us," Chronister said in a phone interview. "A two-time doubles state champion, third in singles last year. Unless a lot of other people step up, she could be one of the best in 2A this year. We're really fortunate to have her on our team." Hoyos isn't the only element that makes Bellingham a favorite in the NWC race. Troutman is back after advancing to the state doubles tournament last year. She'll have a new partner in Pearsall, while Welch and Owen give the Red Raiders two very strong tandems. Vazorka also should be strong in singles, after reaching the district quarterfinals last year. Giles and Nichols have been a top junior varsity doubles team that moves up to the varsity level. "We've got a lot of kids that are pretty close," Chronister said. "They beat each other back and forth."
2013 SCHEDULE
March 15 at Sedro-Woolley W 7-0
March 18 Burlington-Edison W 4-3
March 22 Anacortes 3:30 p.m.
March 26 Blaine 3:30 p.m.
March 27 at Lynden 3:30 p.m.
March 28 Ferndale 3:30 p.m.
April 10 Squalicum* 3:30 p.m.
April 15 Sehome* 3:30 p.m.
April 17 Sedro-Woolley* 3:30 p.m.
April 19 at Burlington-Edison* 3:45 p.m.
April 22 Lynden* 3:30 p.m.
April 24 at Anacortes* 3:45 p.m.
April 26 at Blaine* 3:30 p.m.
April 29 at Ferndale* 3:30 p.m.
April 30 South Whidbey 2:45 p.m.
Mary 4 at Sehome 10 a.m.
*NWC match
Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.
