The Manitowoc Lincoln girls’ tennis team begins their 2025 this morning in Green Bay as they participate in the season-opening Green Bay Preble Invitational.
Stephanie Henschel begins her sixth year as head coach and 21st in the program.
The Ships were very competitive in the FRCC last season, with Jordin Popp in singles and the doubles tandem of Zylia Klienfeldt and Taylor Peterson qualifying for the state meet.
Kleinfeldt, a two-time state qualifier with Peterson in doubles, has graduated, and Popp will move to doubles to play with Peterson, leaving, says Henschel, a lot of spots to fill.
“We lost Jersey Pankratz, Abby Kaiser, and Allison Gates in single,s so we will be starting fresh there,” he explained. “We do have some kids that will be playing different flights, but their attitude is great, and they work hard. They come to practice every day with a great attitude.”
Peterson, a three-time state qualifier, and Popp who’s been to Madison twice, have been chosen as captains by their teammates.
Jordin (Popp) said during an appearance on WOMT Sports Talk that she’s looking forward to the start of the season.
“I’m excited to see what this young team can do,” he said. “I know they’ll do good. As for me and Taylor (Peterson), we’ve a got of goals we want to attain. I don’t want to overstep it, but another trip to state would be nice.”
Taylor (Peterson) agrees with her doubles partner.
“We have a lot of young players that I know will work hard and step up for us, and I’m excited to see how they’ll do,” she noted. “As for Jordin (Popp) and me, I think we’re going to have a great season. I don’t want to jinx it, but if we play to our potential, I think we will go far.”
The Ships will see Stevens Point, Wausau East, Kimberly, and Oshkosh West during the two-day Invite with play beginning at 10:00 a.m.
