By MATT “SWEETS” McCARTHY

Sports Writer

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Iron Mountain girls tennis team is a young looking team on paper, based on the eight sophomores on their roster, which makes up over half it. The team also has a new coach for this season as Marcus Celello takes over for Sharon Ducat.

“I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls for my first year coaching tennis at IMHS, said Celello.

“We have great leadership, which starts at the top with our three seniors: Claire Mongrain, Arianna Morel, and Chloe Bianco. Claire and Arianna are both natural leaders and great players; I know they can compete for the conference and UPs at No. 1 and No.2 Singles, respectively,” Celello added.

The team does have many returning players from last season. Bella Brown and Danika Juul both juniors-also bring experience to the team.

“The remainder of our team is young, but we have a very talented group of sophomores with a lot of potential. Callie Bianco is off to a fantastic start this season at No. 3 Singles, and I’m excited to see her continuously improve,” Celello said..

Aziza Burgoon and Elle Lofholm have shuffled around a bit, but they’ll both continue to be competitive between No. 4 Singles and No. 1 Doubles. “We’re starting to get into a more consistent lineup, but having that versatility is an asset to have, especially in such uncertain times,” noted Celello.

“The girls show up to practice ready to work and improve every day, and we have already seen this work ethic translate to success early on in the season, Cellelo said. “I know I cannot mention every player individually, but each girl has improved already, and I am excited to see where we are at by the end of the season.”

Roster:

Seniors: Claire Mongrain, Arianna Morel, Chloe Bianco.

Juniors: Bella Brown, Danika Juul, Kensie St. John, Emma Gollis.

Sophomores: Anja Kleiman, Anika Cameron, Callie Bianco, Aziza Burgoon, Elle Lofholm, Emma Axberg, Rediet Husing, Natalia Brown.