The 2024 Lincoln tennis season has arrived. Tomorrow morning the team will kick off Coach Barrett's inaugural season with the Claremore tournament that will feature several top 4A and 5A schools. Coach Barrett will be joined by Coach Zinck who returns from last year's staff and is a tremendous asset to the program.
The team had a strong showing in the scrimmage season battling against Metro Christian, Rejoice Christian and Regent Prep. This season schedule will feature 8 varsity tournaments as well as several duals, where players should be able to have 30 plus match regular season which will go a long way in helping the Bulldogs earn seeds at the Regional and State tournaments. The schedule features a couple of tournaments hosted by LCS at LaFortune on April 10 & 16. The Bulldogs schedule also has an emphasis on seeing schools from all regions, as they will travel to OKC, Henryetta, and Seminole for tournaments during the season.
Girls
The Bulldog Girls tennis team returns 2023 2 Doubles State Placers Frannie Rollandini and Nina Ross, who will make the transition to the 1 Doubles spot this season. The tandem were a bit of a surprise last season, not becoming partners until the end of the season when they went on their run at State. The expectations for these two have risen this year, with Rollandini saying "Their goal is to win a couple of tournaments this season." Ross mentions her goals to hit "more consistent, aggressive shots" which will be necessary as they battle in the tough 1 Doubles position.
The Girls team is led by former state qualifier and 1 Singles player, Layla Fears. Layla will be holding down the 1 Singles position for the third straight year and brings a ton of experience to the team. Coach Barrett notes how beneficial it was to walk into the program and have someone with the experience and talent of Layla. "Having her is a huge deal, she is a great player, leader and is going to win a lot of matches for us at that position. She helps open up the lineup for everyone else as we look to qualify all 6 players for the State tournament this year. I am so thankful she is a part of this program." Layla has high aspirations as she aims to be the first Lincoln Girl to place at the 1 Singles position at State.
The team will also have 3 spots open for first year starters. Senior multi-sport athletes Olivia Brown and Kaci Swindall, Junior Avarie Castagna, Sophomores Grace Wheeler, Karlie Jones, Anabel Nelson, Wylie Bales, Leah Levell, Freshmen Olivia Nation, Olivia Swindall, Addison Law, and Lilly Brisco will all look to battle for those positions and make an impact in the lineup.
Boys
The Bulldog Boys tennis team returns former state placer and senior Brody Johnson who brought with him star quarterback Luke Milligan as his partner for the upcoming season. The two had a strong showing by finishing undefeated through the scrimmage season. Johnson mentions that the two definitely "have their eyes set at reaching the State podium this year.
The Bulldogs also return a strong Junior class in returning 2 doubles State placer in Aiden Tyler, and returning State qualifiers Austin Phelan and Grayson Hampton. Coach Barrett notes that "Having such a strong core of players that have experience, talent, and drive is incredibly exciting for me as a coach. These guys should have a great opportunity to help take this program to new heights."
The team also has a strong core of younger players that will look to make an impact as well. Junior Grant Jameson, and sophomores Chase Jobe and Jamie Ploch will bring size and athleticism that should play an important role in the doubles lineup. The team also features a very talented Freshman class that includes Micah Wagner, Brayden Thompson, Lincoln Nelson, Nate Johnston, Cash Keltner, and Nathan Shaugnessy.
