HIGH WATTAGE: Princeton High girls’ tennis player Spencer Watts smacks a forehand last fall. Sophomore Watts has moved up to the first singles spot this fall for PHS, starring as the Little Tigers have produced a 6-0 start. PHS was slated to play at Hightstown on September 19 before starting play in the Mercer County Tournament on September 25 at Mercer County Park. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although it is just a few weeks into the 2017 season, the Princeton High girls’ tennis team has already experienced more than its share of upheaval.

Having lost three key seniors (Maggie Herring, Elise Gerdes, and Brinda Suppiah) from last year’s squad to graduation, the team’s returning first singles player, Samantha Singer, transferred to Peddie over the summer. PHS welcomed a transfer from Princeton Day School, Sydney Vines, who played some matches at second singles this season for the Little Tigers before getting sidelined by a knee injury.

As a result, PHS head coach Sarah Hibbert has moved senior Helen Bennett into the second singles spot and sophomore doubles star Nicole Samios has taken over the third singles spot.

“The three people who have been in the doubles lineup will return,” said Hibbert, referring to junior Caroline Tan, sophomore Sora Sato, and junior Adriana Todorova. “As a result the fourth spot for doubles is up for grabs and still to be determined.”

Despite the upheaval, PHS has produced a 6-0 start with sophomore Spencer Watts proving to be a constant at first singles.

“Spencer is a great player, she is willing to serve and volley which not many girls are these days,” said Hibbert.

“She is a strong all-around player. She has a good attitude on court; she doesn’t get into a lot of things that are common in competitive tennis. Spencer can compete with the strong players.”

Senior Bennett is looking to be competitive in her new role. “Helen works really hard, she was in our JV lineup last year and has put a lot of effort into her game,” said Hibbert.

“She is now in the challenging spot of second singles. She is a very sweet person and is a captain this year. She has worked hard to get the new girls on the team to feel comfortable.”

Hibbert is confident that Samios will find a comfort level at third singles.

“She has played a lot of doubles and she is willing to serve and volley as well,” said Hibbert.

With PHS starting action in the Mercer County Tournament on September 25 at Mercer County Park, Hibbert believes her players are willing and able to make an impact at the event.

“We are looking to play as well as we can and compete the best we can,” said Hibbert.

“Due to people assuming new spots right before the tournament, there is always some uncertainty. We are hoping they will all settle in well. We still have a lot of talent; there are a lot of girls who can compete and are ready to work hard.”