Ryle coach Stephen Collins said as opposed to previous seasons where the roster has been in place, this year, outside of four returning starters, there are three spots up for grabs. Collins said 24 players have tried out for the squad’s open positions.
“I like the fact that you do have a nucleus of returning players but there are still a couple spots to fight for,” Collins said. “I think this year the girls have a little bit more fire because there are open spots. That always keeps them hungry.”
New doubles partners, seniors Harlee Hornsby and Meghan Watson will be crucial for the Raiders success, as well as first singles player, sophomore Carley Lucas. Collins praised the chemistry of Hornsby and Watson that has developed in the off-season.
“The two will make a good fit,” Collins said. “They make a really good doubles team because they can counteract each others flaws, which is key at this level.”
Hornsby was ousted in the regional tournament last season and lost in the first round of the state tournament. She was 13-5 last season playing first doubles and has traveled to the state tournament two years in a row. Ryle has had traditionally strong doubles teams in the past. The Raiders have sent a pair to state for the past eight seasons.
Collins said Lucas has also been working diligently on her game by training in the off-season and competing in various tournaments over the course of the summer. She was 6-10 last season playing first singles.
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