ROGERS -- Derek Groomer earned a spot in the state tournament as a junior. Rogers Heritage boys tennis coach Taylor Tinsley believes he's ready to do more than just get there this season.
"Derek's been playing really well," Tinsley said. "He's a lot more consistent and also mentally tougher. I think he could be pretty successful this year."
Rogers Heritage Tennis Schedule
Date^Opponent^Time
Aug. 21^at Greenwood^3:30 p.m.
Aug. 25^Shiloh Christian^3:30 p.m.
Aug. 28^Rogers High(G)^3:30 p.m.
Aug 28^at Rogers High (B)^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 4^at Springdale Har-Ber^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 8^at Springdale High^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 11^at Fort Smith Northside^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 15^at Van Buren^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 16^Springdale Har-Ber^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 18^Fayetteville^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 22^at Rogers High^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 23^at Fort Smith Southside^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 25^at Bentonville^3:30 p.m.
Sept. 30^Fort Smith Southside^3:30 p.m.
Groomer won a hotly contested match in the conference tournament to finish sixth and nab the final qualifying spot for the state tournament last year. But Tinsley said he's matured physically and mentally over the summer.
"I think he could be in the top four in the conference in singles," Tinsley said. "I could be wrong. He's a lot more patient. He doesn't try to hit the winner on the first ball."
Tinsley's War Eagles finished 5-7 in match play a year ago, but he returns four of his top six players and five with varsity experience. The Heritage roster also has nine seniors.
Groomer will occupy the No. 1 singles spot, but senior Sven Larson also returns at No. 2 singles.
"He's a player opponents hate to play," Tinsley said. "He doesn't hit it hard, but he makes you earn every point and keeps the ball in play."
Seniors Robby Herbert and Mike Kihn also played varsity doubles a year ago. The difference is this year they will be playing together at No. 1.
Herbert and his brother, Adam, played No. 1 doubles a year ago, while Kihn played No. 2 doubles. But Tinsley said he believes Herbert and Kihn could make a formidable team.
"Robby's very deceptive with his serve and good from the baseline," Tinsley said. "Mike's an athletic kid and good net player. They don't have experience playing together, but they have played doubles. It won't take them long to play well together I don't think."
Senior Chase Kilgore also played some varsity singles a year ago and will play No. 2 doubles with Alex Kihn, Tinsley said.
Lady War Eagles tennis coach Tiffany Taylor believes her group could contend for a state team title, returning five with varsity experience led by two-time Class 7A state singles champion Alye Darter.
Heritage finished in a three-way tie for second a year ago behind crosstown rival Rogers High.
"I don't know what everybody else has, but I feel confident with the one's we have coming back and the additions to the team that we can be there," Taylor said.
Darter will again juggle two sports in the fall, playing tennis and volleyball. But Taylor said she's sat down with Darter to determine a schedule of when she will be available for most varsity tennis matches, while also playing volleyball.
"She's been playing a lot," Taylor said. "She did well this summer."
Seniors Mary Chavez and Kennedy Rickard played No. 2 doubles a year ago, but are currently in the No. 1 spot. But the tandem of senior Shannon Stribling and junior Bailey Brya have shown great improvement, Taylor said. Sophomore Radhika Katke also played some varsity singles a year ago.
Taylor also expects Kelly Torres to play a key role, after missing most of last season because of an injury. She also expects freshman Isabella Furuseth to be a part of the lineup.
Taylor acknowledged the lineup will likely fluctuate some during the first few weeks of the season as she tries some different combinations, particularly in doubles.
"Once you play a few matches it'll all work out," Taylor said.
Sports on 08/10/2014