This year’s Forester team should provide a good mix of veterans and freshmen.  Topping the list of returners is senior Stephanie Strong and junior Raelyn Althoff.  Strong should secure the number one singles spot for the fourth consecutive year.  As a junior last season, she posted a 12-7 record and was named MCC All-Conference for the third straight year.   

Althoff, a two-time MCC All-Conference selection, was 14-6 at number two singles. Last season, she also teamed with Strong to be the most successful doubles team in HU history with and 18-1 record at number one doubles.  The pair also won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) regional tournament as well as the MCC conference title. 

A talented group of freshmen will strengthen the Forester line-up.  Leading the way is Haley Neiderhiser from Cedar Rapids, IA.  As a high school junior, her high school team won the Iowa State Tennis Championship.  A strong lefty with a wide range of shots, Neiderhiser will be pushing Strong and Althoff for one of the top spots in the HU line-up. 

Three other freshmen Joni Holsem (Grandville, MI), Lauren Sunderman (Huntington, IN) and Kristen Lahman (North Manchester, IN) could earn a spot in the top six.  Senior Liz Hull and sophomore Erica Abel are also in the mix. 

Seniors Kyla Zartman and Sara Schinderle along with freshman Megan Adams (Jay County) round out the Forester line-up. 

“I am looking for a great year,” said Coach Turner.  “We have a strong freshmen class to go with our top players, so it should be exciting.  Age could play a factor in our season, depending on what positions our freshmen end up in.”