Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter girls tennis team opens their 2015 season against Sikeston at home on Monday, August 24^th.

The Bearcats return four starters including two seniors.  MaKayla Waldner, Macy Urhahn, Alexis May and Kalee Howard return to the court for some exciting match-ups this year.

 “We had a good year last year,” stated head tennis coach Kurt Lovelady.  “We lost a couple of varsity, but a lot of these girls picked it up over the summer.  They came to open courts and have been working hard.”

“I know this district will have some state qualifiers,” continued Lovelady.  “It just depends on which girls compete in doubles and singles.  Notre Dame will have some solid players.  Our girls are waiting to see how the season goes and see if our strength is in singles or doubles.”

Last year MaKayla Waldner was just shy of qualifying for the state tournament in singles play after competing in 2013 in the state doubles tournament.  She will be one to watch this year for sure!  Another athlete to watch is senior Kalee Howard.  She has quite the talent as well on the court.  It should be an exciting year.

Dexter will play eight of their twelve games on the road in the 2015 season.  They also compete in the Farmington Invitational on September 19^th.

“You normally take two singles players and two doubles teams to the tournament,” state Lovelady.  “I am not sure how I will match up my top four yet.  They should be ready for anything and ma y have two or three doubles partners throughout the season so we can see who they play best with.”

Dexter will compete in the Class 1, District 1 with Notre Dame, Charleston, Fredericktown, Kennett, and Caruthersville.  Notre Dame defeated Dexter in a district semifinal last year.  Kennett then beat Notre Dame to win their eighth straight District Title.

“It’s a tough district once again,” continued Coach Lovelady.  “Kennett is a powerhouse.  Their girls work hard and are very well coached.  Notre Dame also had a great season last year and they return a lot of players, including Hopkins.  It is going to be a tough district for us to compete in, but these girls are ready to go out and give it their best shot.”

Shown in the photo are front row from left to right:  Nicole Sells, Lexi May, Kalee Howard, MaKayla Waldner, Macy Urhahn, and Reagan Miller.  Standing from left to right are:  Morgan Aldridge, Malia Cook, Abby Dorton, Rachel Singh, Kirsten Teffertiller, and Hannah Bien.

Dexter Girls Tennis Schedule