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Despite losing a state champion at No. 3 singles in Molly Weiss and a two-year No. 1 singles player in Lisa Floyd, Steamboat girls tennis enters the 2009 season with one of its deepest teams in recent years.

The Steamboat Springs High School squad returns a slew of players with state tennis experience, including singles players Shelby Reed and Valerie Lezin and the doubles teams of Kylee Swiggart and Sara Bearss and Mandy Thielemann and Hayley Richman.

Reed, who played last season at No. 2 singles, will move up to No. 1 singles. Lezin moves to No. 2 singles after playing last season at No. 3 doubles.

Thielemann and Richman still may slot into the No. 3 singles spot.

"We're going to have depth," Steamboat coach John Aragon said. "Shelby's been a little hurt. But she's as good a No. 1 as we've had. Looking through the lineup, we do have great depth. This season is going to rely on how well these kids can handle pressure - how well they can stay focused and work for points."

Although Steamboat has depth at nearly every position, its strongest play might come from the No. 1 doubles team of Swiggart and Bearss.

The two juniors played together last year, finishing fourth at state.

"We know what to expect from other people and each other," said Swiggart, who attended camps with Bearss during the summer. "We want to be No. 1 at state. This year, we have more experience and just know what to expect."

One thing Steamboat won't have to worry about is getting enough competition. In addition to the Western Slope Tournament (March 20 and 21) and the Mullen Tournament (April 17 and 18) - events that serve as quasi-state tournaments - Steamboat has duals with Boulder, Aspen, Columbine and Poudre.

"We're going to play some of the best teams," Aragon said. "Before we get to the state tournament, we'll at least know something about them and can have a game plan."

The Sailors also will be looking for their fifth straight regional title. Although Aspen and Montrose come in with teams that, on paper, look like they can compete with Steamboat, the Sailors again will be the clear-cut favorite.

"Hopefully, our team can win regionals again," Reed said. "We have a lot of good players coming up. After that, hopefully we can do well at state."

With a deep Class 4A field, Aragon said the state tournament again will be up for grabs. Last year Niwot won, ending long-running streaks by Kent Denver and Cheyenne Mountain. Still, Aragon thinks he has the team to potentially make a run.

"If they come out and practice with a purpose, I really feel they can be in the top five," he said. "This year, the girls in 4A will be the strongest it's ever been. A lot of teams were young last year. It's going to be a great state tournament. This year, it's open again."

- To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229

or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com