The Edina Hornets are no doubt the queens of high school tennis in the state of Minnesota, but the individual class 2A championship trophy currently rests at Minnetonka High School.
Skippers junior Aria Lambert returns this fall to defend her individual title and to hopefully lead the Skippers back to the state tournament after a sensational sophomore season in 2008.
Lambert was practically perfect during the postseason last year as she lost a total of one game in five section matches.
After defeating Shakopee's Vonnick Boyogueno 6-1, 6-0 in the first round, Lambert defeated her next four opponents -including Eden Prairie's Makenna Borg in the section final - by scores of 6-0, 6-0.
Lambert didn't slow down in the state tournament as she lost a total of seven games in four matches on her way to the title. She once again defeated Borg in the championship match, this time by a score of 6-0, 6-1.
Lambert undoubtedly will be the favorite to win the state title again this year and she gives the Skippers an automatic point at number singles in practically every match.
The Skippers placed third as a team at last year's state tournament and with their returning cast of players there is a strong possibility that they could improve on that this season.
Eighth grader Jessa Richards returns to fill the No. 2 singles slot. Richards lost to Lambert in last year's section semifinals, but came back to win the third place match.
Other returning players include senior captains Heather Abzug, Maggie Kregness and Noelle Wagner.
Abzug and Wagner teamed up to play No. 1 doubles during last year's state tournament and took a set off their opponents from Edina in the semifinal match that Edina won 6-1.
The Skippers will begin their 2009 campaign on
Saturday, Aug. 29 in a tournament hosted by New Prague. They will open the Classic Lake Conference season on Thursday, Sept. 10 at home against Wayzata.
