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Triton teams liking their growth potential

Photo by Paul DeCoursey Returning players for the Iowa Central tennis teams include, front row (left to right): Steven Mears, Katheryne Campos, Lily Timmerman and Anthony Lekoko. Back: Coleton Hout, Nicholas Fifield, Jacob Martens, Zane Baker and Manuel Roman.

Year No. 2 of the Iowa Central tennis program brings plenty of hope and promise for head coach Todd Redenius.

A total of 23 players are on the men’s and women’s roster combined — several of which helped usher in the sport at the school last season.

The men boast 19 of those players, led by sophomores Manuel Roman, Antony Lekoko, Coleton Hout and Nick Fifield.

Newcomers are already pushing for those coveted varsity spots, though, led by Jamaican Junior Davis Cup team member Kyle Dwyer and Minnesota large-class state runner-up Chase Roseth.

“We have a terrific group of young people,” Redenius said. “Their energy level, attitude and focus during practice has been very good. We will be better this year on the men’s side as our depth is stronger than last year.”

Roman finished 24-9 last year in singles and doubles playing the No. 1 spot for the Tritons, who were 5-15 overall as a team. They finished the year strong, winning two of their last three duals — including shutouts of Buena Vista and Mount Marty.

Dwyer is pushing Roman for that top spot at the moment, while Lekoko is positioned himself at the No. 5 singles spot. Chase Roseth and Colten Way, two more freshmen, are at Nos. 3 and 4.

“I would feel very comfortable with either (Roman or Dwyer) at our No. 1 position,” Redenius said. “Doubles was at times a struggle for us a year ago, but that should be much improved this season.”

Hout, a former Fort Dodge Senior High player, has “improved immensely over the course of last season and continued that improvement this summer. Nick Fifield has also improved tremendously.”

Redenius was hopeful to be putting out a full six-player lineup on the women’s side, but issues before the start of the school year will keep him from doing that.

“We had a couple tough setbacks, as a visa was denied for one player and another was injured,” he said. “We are hoping we can add a few more players during the semester.”

Iowa Central played “invitationals” with teams a year ago, going 62-24 overall in individual matches. That included an 11-0 record at Simpson.

Lily Timmerman, a former St. Edmond state qualifier, returns with fellow sophomore Katheryne Campos. Freshman Dayna Ortega takes over the top spot in the lineup followed by Campos, Timmerman and Aimee Kell.

“We play an extremely tough schedule being an NJCAA independent,” Redenius said. “We travel a lot and play mostly four-year schools, but our student-athletes are looking forward to the challenge.

“As for Lily, I couldn’t be more proud of the progress she has made on the court. She is quicker and stronger this year.”

First home action for Iowa Central is Thursday when they host Grand View at the Dodger Courts.

“We are very much looking forward to our home opener,” Redenius said. “We need our tennis community and fans of the Tritons out in full force supporting us.”

The Tritons will also play a spring schedule that sees them head to Hilton Head in South Carolina for a week, along with matches against several Iowa Conference schools. The national tournament is May 14-18 in Plano, Tex.

2017 IOWA CENTRAL TENNIS

Rosters

Men

Sophomores

Antony Lekoko, Coleton Hout, Garrett Clark, Jacob Martens, Manuel Roman, Nick Fifield, Steven Mearns, Zane Baker.

Freshmen

Ardit Krasniqi, Chase Roseth, Colten Way, Dalton Stoaks, Hector Bargallo, Kilmer Campos, Kyle Dwyer, Mark Mosher, Nate Thoms, Nicholas Almeida, Ruu Pultz.

Schedule

Sept. 7 — Grand View; 8 — at Morningside; 9 — at St. Ambrose; 14 — Buena Vista; 15 — Simpson; 22 — at Iowa State Club; 29 — at ITA Fall Regional in Oklahoma City; 30 — at ITA Fall Regional in Oklahoma City.

Oct. 1 — at ITA Fall Regional in Oklahoma City.

Women

Sophomores

Katheryne Campos, Lily Timmerman.

Freshmen

Aimee Kell, Dayana, Ortega.

Schedule

Sept. 7 — Grand View; 9 — at St. Ambrose; 14 — Buena Vista; 16 — at Wartburg; 17 — at Simpson; 22 — at Iowa State Club; 29 — at ITA Fall Regional in Oklahoma City; 30 — at ITA Fall Regional in Oklahoma City.

Oct. 1 — at ITA Fall Regional in Oklahoma City.

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