Mustang's veteran varsity girls' tennis team is returning every member of its 2009 tennis squad.
The Broncos ended last season with a school-best eighth-place finish. They are looking to better that mark in 2010. Head coach Dave Rankin said the sky is the limit for this team.
“I'm really excited about this team,” he said. “Last year they proved to be the most successful girls' team in Mustang history.”
Five of the six players placed at state last season, but Rankin said the goal is for all six to place and a team finish in the top five.
“I think that is real do-able — to place every one of these girls at the state tournament,” he said.
There are three seniors and three sophomores on the squad. Melanie Evans, Amy Bynum and Laura Wilcox are playing their last season at Mustang. Tina Nguyen, Haphuong Nguyen and Ashlynn Sutton are underclassmen.
Bynum and Evans placed sixth in one singles last season. They will compete in the same division this season.
“They're our seniors, and they've been great leaders for us this year,” Rankin said.
Tina and Haphuong Nguyen (no relation) are teaming up this season in two doubles.
“They are really dynamic players who make great shots,” Rankin said.
Sutton and Wilcox will take hold of the singles positions, but Rankin said he was not sure who would play one singles.
Mustang will use the early season to get caught up with the pack. The Broncos do not have indoor tennis courts, while teams they will face have that luxury. Rankin said his team should be back in playing shape within a month.
The girls opened their season Friday with a tournament in Carl Albert, but results from the event weren't available as of press time.
They will continue competition Monday with a tourney hosted by Southmoore.
Mustang's first appearance at home will come the following day with a dual against Heritage Hall.
The Broncos will host Yukon in a dual at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.