Juniors hold court for Port tennis

The Port Washington High School tennis team lost six seniors to graduation who were heavy contributors, but four Pirates are back this season and eight juniors are on the roster.

Sophomore Ally Schueller has moved from No. 4 singles to the top spot after working hard in the offseason.

“She understands that this position will be difficult as we compete against top tennis schools in the North Shore Conference,” coach Melonie Zielinski said.

“I know Ally is very capable and will be ready to handle this position and be mentally ready to compete at this high level. Overall, this will be a great year of growth for Ally and we are excited to see how she performs.”

Senior Ashley Zygowski returns as part of the No. 1 doubles team.

“Ashley is coming into this season with confidence and a readiness to compete at a high level. She is traditionally a hard hitter, has developed new key placement shots and has a consistent first serve,” Zielinski said.

After playing with senior Tess Schueller last season, Zygowski will be teamed with junior Grace Neitzke, who is in her third year on varsity.

“Grace is hitting with a lot of low fast-paced groundstrokes and has taken time to develop more of her serve and net game,” Zielinski said. “Ashley and Grace are both athletic and with their previous experience on varsity we are expecting a lot of success from them this year.”

Senior Hannah Stopcyznski will play No. 2 singles, moving up from junior varsity.

“Hannah has put a lot of time and effort in this summer to continue to develop her tennis game,” Zielinski said.

Junior Alena Schlenvogt, one of the top junior varsity players last season, will play No. 3 singles.

“Alena is an athlete who commits to every shot and is hitting consistently,” Zielinski said.

Junior Madelina Figarino will play No. 4 singles after playing different spots on varsity last season. That experience, Zielinski said, will be an advantage.

“Madelina is hitting a solid tennis ball and has improved her court placement,” she said.

Juniors Gaby Ortiz and Jenniver Boccio will play No. 2 doubles.

“Gaby has taken time in the offseason to work on her game and is hitting strong volleys at the net and key placement on the court. Gaby knows what it takes to win a varsity match, and that will serve her well this season,” Zielinski said.

“Jen spent a lot of time working in the offseason and started this season with great footwork and a strong topspin groundstroke. Jen’s movement and placement will serve her well this season.”

Juniors Madelyn Ksioszk and Abby Doll will play No. 4 doubles.

“Madelyn went into the offseason with a lot of eagerness to improve and spent a lot of time doing so. Maddie is moving well across the court, hitting strong volleys and is hitting consistently,” Zielinski said.

“Abby had some experience at the varsity level last season. This experience along with her consistent serves and pace on groundstrokes will serve her well in doubles positions this year.”

Zygowski, Stopczynski and Ella Mueller, who is out with an injury, are the team captains.

In the Pirates’ first action of the season, the Washington County Meet on Saturday didn’t finish after two rain delays.

Zygowski and Neitzke beat Audra Hurt and Ashlyn Kjer of Kewaskum, 6-4, 6-2. They lost, 6-0, 6-2, to Lindsey Villareal and Ellie Kalina of Slinger.

Ksioszk and Ortiz beat Yingkou Xiong and Yee Xiong of Milwaukee King, 6-4, 6-1. They lost, 6-4, 6-3, to Jacknetson Naw and Michelle Arellano of Waukesha South.

At No. 3 doubles, Doll and junior Lydia Weyker lost to Reese Widowski and Katelyn Bennett of West Bend West, 6-0, 6-1, and lost to Imane Derradj and Jiggy Raizada of Waukesha South, 6-3, 6-3.

Port went 0-8 in singles. Schueller lost, 6-0, 6-3, to Sammy Neinas of Germantown and 6-1, 6-4, to Christiana Jones of West Bend West.

Stopczynski lost, 6-1, 6-0, to Shayla Loiacono of West Bend East and 6-0, 6-0, to Lindsay Juno of Waukesha South.

Schlenvogt lost, 6-0, 6-1, to Lipika Veluri of Waukesha South and, 6-2, 6-4, to Lily Wolt of Milwaukee King.

At No. 4 singles, Pirate sophomore Helena Broderick lost, 6-0, 6-1, to Jamie Rhodes of Slinger and 6-2, 2-0, to Bryn Kirsch of Waukesha South.

Port was to play in a quadrangular meet at Mukwonago on Tuesday, host Sheboygan South at 3:30 p.m. Thursday and start NSC play by hosting West Bend East at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31.