Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Fort Dodge girls tennis returning letterwinners are (left to right): Sydney Gebers, Kaitlyn Folsom, Madge Hensley, Janelle Derrig and Grace Behrens.

Behind a strong stable of returning players and the addition of a handful of others, expectations are high for head coach Julie Astor and the Fort Dodge girls tennis program this spring.

The Dodgers boast seven returning players from a year ago, led by lone senior Sydney Gebers. Added to the mix will be sophomore Manuela Rodriguez, who played No. 1 for St. Edmond last year.

Joining Gebers as key returnees are Madge Hensley, Kaitlyn Folsom, Janelle Derrig and Grace Behrens.

“Sydney brings energy, a positive attitude and a great work ethic,” Astor said. “As our lone senior, I will look to her for her leadership.

“Madge has been very consistent at practice and worked on her game this past winter. Kaitlyn and Janelle saw some varsity last year but I am going to ask them to step up and fill a couple varsity spots this season.”

Behrens, a junior, is currently recovering from an injury, but Astor expects her “back soon to add depth to the roster.”

Rodriguez was part of a successful run by the Gaels last year that included winning the regular season and tournament crowns in the North Central Conference. Other newcomers Claire Thompson and Lacy Larson “are looking strong and vying for varsity playing time.”

“Manuela is a great addition,” Astor said. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team and will fill our No. 1 position. She is such a strong, smart player.

“The kids are all working hard. They’re going to give their all.”

Rounding out the roster are Jessenia Elias, Ontanasha Gibbs, Mia Carpenter, Taylor Cote, Aveya Lee, Taylor Martin, Evah Nostrom, Mya Pesina, Grace Rivera, Sonia Sandvig-Rodriguez and Caitlyn Uhlenhopp.

Fort Dodge opened the season on Thursday at Des Moines Lincoln. The Dodgers’ first home match is this Tuesday against Des Moines Roosevelt.

Bill Foval will once again be helping Astor coach.

2024 FORT DODGE GIRLS TENNIS

Roster

Seniors

Sydney Gebers.

Juniors

Grace Behrens, Janelle Derrig, Kaitlyn Folsom, Lacey Larson, Claire Thompson.

Sophomores

Jessenia Elias, Ontanasha Gibbs, Madge Hensley, Manuela Rodriguez.

Freshmen

Mia Carpenter, Taylor Cote, Aveya Lee, Taylor Martin, Evah Nostrom, Mya Pesina, Grace Rivera, Sonia Sandvig-Rodriguez, Caitlyn Uhlenhopp.

Schedule

April 2 — Des Moines Roosevelt; 4 — Spencer; 9 — at Mason City; 11 — Marshalltown; 16 — Des Moines Hoover; 22 — at Boone; 23 — Ames; 29 — Des Moines East; 30 — Des Moines North.