To put in summary, what our expectations are, we’re very, very athletic.”

Park coach Tony Townsend

Longtime Park coach Tony Townsend has a familiar problem on his hands this season. The Wolfpack lost some of their top players from a year ago, but several key returners are back in the fold, joined by some eager newcomers to the starting lineup.
“To put in summary, what our expectations are, we’re very, very athletic,” said Townsend. “Athleticism through the roster. We have a lot of depth. I have multiple girls kind of going for that last doubles spot and same thing with our singles lineup. We’ve got some girls who have really shown up. They’re improving their skills set and just taking their game to the next level.”

Hardest to replace might be graduated senior Grace Townsend, who played No. 1 singles last season. The No. 6 seed in sections, she won in rounds one and two before losing in the quarterfinals to the No. 3 seed.

Park also must replace its usual three and four singles players.

Half of Park’s No. 1 double team returns in senior Liv Evans, but she’ll be paired with a new partner this season as Madi Brinkman graduated.

“We’re working on a partner for her,” said Townsend, now in his 16th season as the head tennis coach at Park. Chloe Newhouse might partner with Evans this fall.

Key singles players back for the Wolfpack include Camilla Brooks, who played No. 2 and 3 singles last season and will go at No, 1 singles this fall. Evie Johnson, Aylana Paulsen and Addie Corkish will battle for singles spots.

The No. 2 doubles team returns in Ava Youngquist and Keria Brenna. “And they won a lot of matches last year,” said Townsend.

Park tied a record for most wins in a season a year ago – 14 -- and this team has similar potential, Townsend said. “I think we’re right there. It will take us a while to hit stride and find our grove and just get that experience at a very fast pace but once we have and we build that confidence, I’m very, very optimistic. This team is just very, very talented.”

Friday, Aug. 22 at Hastings tournament

Monday, Aug. 25 at Two Rivers

Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Harding

Thursday, Aug. 28 at Irondale

Thursday, Sept. 2 White Bear Lake at Park, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 4 at Stillwater

Saturday, Sept. 6 Highland Park, Tartan at Park, 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 Cretin-Derham Hall at Park, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 11 at Mounds View

Monday, Sept. 15 at Apple Valley/Eastview

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Roseville

Thursday, Sept. 18 Woodbury at Park, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Forest Lake

Thursday, Sept. 25 East Ridge at Park, 4 p.m.