GREENFIELD — The 2024 Greenfield-Central girls tennis lineup looks a lot different than it did in 2023.
With the graduation of five of the seven girls on last year’s sectional roster, new names will be slotted in the Cougars lineup sheet all over the place.
The expectations and season goals have not changed.
“Goals don’t change. We want to go out, do our best, and get some wins. Any competition that we’re in we want to be a part of it and to try and get on that three side of the five points,” Greenfield-Central head coach Michael Turpin said. “They know the expectations and I think the girls last year did a great job of setting the tone for what practice looks like and what match expectations are supposed to look like. Whether you’re brand new to the team or a seasoned veteran, you’re expected to give your all every night and know that victories and winning is what we’re working towards.”
It’s not just the starting lineup where Greenfield-Central is inexperienced. Ten of the 23 girls on the Cougars roster are freshmen.
Turpin knows that brings some challenges, but also knows that it presents an opportunity for the Cougars to start building towards the next few years.
“There are big challenges though. It’s a lot going from JV to varsity. The biggest thing we’re going to be working on is that pace moving up to the next level, and getting our girls experience so they can continue to grow,” Turpin said. “Everything that we do this year with such a young team continues to build towards our future. If they’re on the right track this year, they can continue to have pretty good success going forward.”
The two mainstays in last year’s lineup who are back for their senior seasons are Madi Succaw and Hallie Smith.
“I expect both of those girls to bring their experience, step up and set an example for all of the younger girls on our team,” Turpin said.
Succaw played both No. 2 and No. 3 singles last season, but with the graduation of last year’s No. 1, Brianna McConnell, Succaw will move up to No. 1 singles this year.
Smith was part of the No.1 doubles team along with Lauren Chastain last season. She’ll stay in that spot, with new teammate and fellow senior Lauren Haffner.
Haffner filled in last year on the varsity lineup when there were injuries or people out sick. She has played just three varsity matches.
“That’s another person that has some experience and brings some senior leadership,” Turpin said. “She’s done a great job stepping up and being a leader and role model for the team over the past couple of weeks.”
The final four spots on the Greenfield-Central lineup are where the inexperience comes into play.
At No. 2 singles the Cougars will trot out freshman Kate Gilkinson, while the final three spots will be filled by juniors Kaydence Ham and Tanessa O’Neal and freshman Anna McQueeney.
The three are still working out who fits best together at No. 2 doubles and who will fill the final singles spot.
“I’ve just been really impressed with how all of them have bought into the program so quickly. They come in, don’t mess around and get to work. They all just want to get better every day,” Turpin said. “That’s going to be the big thing with us. With such a young team, we’re really going to try and just continue to grow and get better and hopefully make that push towards the end of the season.”
Greenfield-Central opens play Thursday on the road at Alexandria-Monroe at 5:30 p.m.
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2024 Greenfield-Central Girls Tennis Schedule
Date;Opponent;Time
April 4;at Alexandria-Monroe;5:30 p.m.
April 9;at Morristown;5:30 p.m.
April 10;at Delta;5:30 p.m.
April 11;vs. Lawrence Central;5:30 p.m.
April 15;vs. Warren Central;5:30 p.m.
April 16;at Lapel;5:30 p.m.
April 18;vs. Mt. Vernon;5:30 p.m.
April 19;Hancock Co. (at MV);4:30 p.m.
April 23;at New Palestine;5:30 p.m.
April 24;vs. Knightstown;5:30 p.m.
April 25;vs. New Castle;5:30 p.m.
April 30;vs. Shelbyville;5:30 p.m.
May 1;at Rushville;5:30 p.m.
May 2;at Frankton;5:30 p.m.
May 6;vs. Yorktown;5:30 p.m.
May 7;at Pendleton Heights;5:30 p.m.
