THIRD PARTY: Princeton High girls’ tennis player Nicole Samios hits a serve in a match last fall. Junior Samios is playing at third singles again for PHS this fall and has helped the team get off to a 2-1 start. In upcoming action, the Little Tigers have matches at WW/P-South on September 20 and at Allentown on September 21 before starting play in the Mercer County Tournament on September 24 at the Mercer County Park tennis complex. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton High girls’ tennis team may not boast any superstars in its 2018 lineup, it possesses the depth and experience to maintain the program’s winning tradition.

“We have a lot of seniors,” said PHS head coach Sarah Hibbert, noting that the roster includes six seniors with four currently in the starting lineup.

“We want to send them out on a high note and we are hoping to have the best season we can.”

One of those seniors, Sydney Vine, has moved into the first singles spot.

“Sydney had great groundstrokes, she has a lot of power on her balls,” said Hibbert, whose team got off to a 2-1 start in dual match play this season.

“She has a nice all-around game that she is willing to come up and put away volleys. We are glad to have her at the top of our lineup.”

Hibbert is glad to have senior Caroline Tan at second singles. “Caroline has played in our doubles lineup for a couple of years,” said Hibbert.

“She has got strong groundstrokes; she is willing to attack the net. Having been a doubles player, she is comfortable at the net. There is some adjustment going from double to being a singles player.”

There is a  comfort level for PHS with junior Nicole Samios returning at third singles.

“She was third singles last year as well,” said Hibbert. “Nicole is steady; she had a good season for us.”

At first doubles, Hibbert is hoping that the combination for freshman Bella Lependorf and senior Jordan Johnson will have a good season.

“Bella comes in with a really solid game; she has the potential to be a tremendous player for us, now and in the future,” said Hibbert.

“She has a lot of singles experience; doubles is a little bit new for her but she is settling in really nicely. She is learning the doubles tactics. Jordan has been towards the top of JV in the past. She has improved her consistency and her overall game. They complemented each other nicely during preseason.”

The pair of senior Adriana Todorov and junior Sora Sato are back at second doubles after enjoying a 20-1 campaign in 2017.

“It is nice to have them back. Hopefully they will be able to duplicate the success that they had last year,” said Hibbert, noting that seniors Sara Khanna and Isabelle Normandin have also seen match time at second doubles so far this season.

“I know what their potential is. They are battle-tested and came through last year in some tough situations.”

The Little Tigers will be in for a tough battle as they start play in the Mercer County Tournament on September 24 at the Mercer County Park tennis complex.

“It should be an interesting tournament as always,” said Hibbert, noting that defending champion Hightstown, WW/P-North, and WW/P-South are all formidable squads. “Depending on the draw and if everyone plays well, we definitely have a shot to be in the mix.”