Peninsula boys tennis team returns, minus a state champ

Seahawks remain one of the top three teams in SPSL 3A

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

The Peninsula boys tennis has big shoes to fill after losing Lance Wilhelm, last year’s Class 3A state singles champion, to graduation.

The Seahawks graduated four others, including West Central District tournament participant Kevin D’Olivo.

But even though the team took a big hit, it’s an opportunity for others to receive more playing on the varsity squad.

Peninsula head coach Cheri Ausboe said the Seahawks have had to make adjustments during their 4-2 start.

“But the team is looking good,” Ausboe said. “I think the biggest advantage is that we can move people up between singles and doubles. We’re not having such a set lineup.”

Peninsula senior Michael Lee, the team’s captain, has been vaulted to the No. 1 singles position. He suffered his first loss of the season, in straight sets, against Franklin Pierce last week.

“A lot of the skill (on the team) is equivalent,” said Lee, whose goal is to qualify for state. I think we have a good shot at doing pretty well this year.”

Last Thursday, the Seahawks focused on serving to the backhand, since that tends to be a weaker shot.

“We’re setting up different drills for each court and running players through them,” Ausboe said.

Peninsula junior Nick Whelan, who hopes to qualify for the district tournament, said the team is much more balanced this year.

“We don’t have a guaranteed win like last year, but I think there’s a lot more chances to win more games, since it’s more even throughout the whole team,” Whelan said.

Peninsula senior Devon DeMoss said Wilhelm was like a player/coach, but he said Lee has helped out in similar ways.

“I feel like the kids that have been playing have come a long ways,” DeMoss said. “I would like to see the team make it to the league tournament.”

Peninsula boys tennis

Coaches: Head coach Cheri Ausboe, assistant coaches Paul Ancich and Dan Silberman.

Key losses: Lance Wilhelm (Class 3A state champion), Kevin D’Olivo, Trevor Findlay.

Key returners: Michael Lee, Devon DeMoss, Nick Whelan, Connor Horkan, Riley Mebus, Harvey Johns.

Newcomers: James Silberman, Matt Meyers

Biggest upside: Depth, team skill and versatility.

Captain: Lee.

Coach prediction: “Even though we lost five seniors, we are going to be surprisingly strong,” Ausboe said.

Teams to watch: Auburn Mountainview, North Thurston, Capital.

Seahawks boys tennis schedule

Sept. 25 vs. Lakes 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 vs. North Thurston 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 30 at White River 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 2 vs.Bonney Lake 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Auburn Mountainview 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 7 vs. Sumner 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 9 vs. Enumclaw 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 vs. Franklin Pierce 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 14 vs. Gig Harbor 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 Sub-district 3:30 p.m.