The Montezuma-Cortez girls tennis team begins its 2016 spring season on Saturday with home matches against Delta and Gallup.
Taking the lead for the Lady Panthers this year is first-year head coach Catherine Anliker.
Anliker has experience as a tennis instructor, but this will be the first time she has coached a team. She said that her goals for the season are to grow into her role as head coach and to help her players develop.
“Growth determines success,” Anliker said. “So whatever their level is, (I want them) to continue to grow.”
The Lady Panthers return most of their team from last season, including last year’s top three singles players: Raquel Lucero, Skye Cole and Laurel Chappell.
Also returning are seniors Kristin Pierce, Ashley Moore and Jennifer Sturman, juniors Angel Veach and Andria Battle and sophomores Alyssa Utley and Courtney Kocourek.
Newcomers Aubrie Rice, Ronee Dennison and Megan Harmon will also compete for playing time.
With 13 players out for the team, the Lady Panthers held challenges this week to determine lineup spots before their first match on Saturday.
They will begin play Saturday at 11 a.m. at Parque de Vida.