Veteran tennis team takes court for Port

Veteran leadership is a strength for this year’s Port Washington High School girls’ tennis team.
The squad includes six seniors on its 10-member varsity lineup and returns several of its top players.
Four-year varsity player Kaylee Doll is back at the No. 1 singles spot for the third straight year.
“She is hitting with a lot of power, consistency and has added in a great short angle shot,” coach Melonie Zielinski said.
“Kaylee will need to make sure she stays within herself and find those opportunities to end the point on her terms. I am anticipating great things from her this season.”
Tess Schueller, another four-year varsity player, is back to lead the No. 1 doubles team.
“Tess is coming out this season with a lot of confidence, great movement, successful net play and a solid serve,” Zielinski said.
Schueller had played with her sister Chloe, who graduated. Now, junior Ashley Zygowski joins her.
“Ashley is the perfect partner for Tess as she is a power house in terms of her serve, net shots and just gets to every ball,” Zielinski said.
The two, she said, “communicate and move well but also compliment each other in terms of their style of play.”
Doll and Schueller are this year’s captains.
Senior Zaara Rehman returns at No. 2 singles.
“Zaara is someone who put time in the off season to keep her game consistent and working on placement shots. Zaara has always been someone to stay within herself and always fight even from behind,” Zielinski said.
Senior Madelyn Hughes moved from No. 2 doubles to No. 3 singles this year.
“Maddy is the type of player who commits to each shot and someone who can play with ease but also can hit a rocketing shot too,” Zielinski said.
Freshman Ally Schueller is playing at No. 4 singles.
“She is coming in with a good amount of experience in terms of skill level and knowledge of the sport. So far, Ally is someone who commits and puts everything she has into each match that she plays. Ally’s serve, consistency and placement will help her have a successful season,” Zielinski said.
Seniors Hope Christiansen and JoJo Czarnecki are playing at No. 2 doubles. Christiansen has varsity experience but missed last year due to injury.
“She has really impressed me with her commitment level and her power in her serves and net play,” Zielinski said.
Czarnecki played in different varsity spots last year and “is someone who is fierce at the net and can hold her own at the baseline.”
Sophomores Grace Neitzke and Gaby Ortiz are playing at No. 3 doubles. Neitzke was at No. 4 singles last year and has “more strength, power and consistency,” Zielinski said.
Ortiz got a variety of varsity experience last year and her “consistency and movement will pair well with Grace,” Zielinski said.
The Pirates started the season with the Washington County Invite at Slinger on Aug. 22. Full results weren’t available but Ally Schueller won the consolation bracket at No. 4 singles.
The Pirates were swept, 7-0, at Mukwonago, on Aug. 24, losing a few close matches.
At No. 2 singles, Rehman lost, 6-4, 3-6, 11-9. At No. 4 singles, Ally Schueller lost, 4-6, 6-1, 10-5.
At No. 1 doubles, Tess Schuller and Zygowski lost, 3-6, 6-3, 10-8.
“We now have a few matches under our belt. We’re getting used to our new positions ,and a little more practice should have us ready to go for the start of conference matches,” Zielinski said.
Port was scheduled to start North Shore Conference play by hosting West Bend West at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Pirates play at NSC opponent Hartford at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.