By Kim J. Harmon

Sure, there might have been some concern with the Newtown High School girls’ tennis team heading into the 2003 season – heck, it was returning just six players and filling the holes with untested first-time players.

But new head coach Jean Kunkel – taking over for Kathy Davey – got a real promising performance out of the team last Thursday at Treadwell Park. The Lady Nighthawks pounded Foran, 6-1, to open at 1-0.

“I was thrilled that so many of my rookies got a win in their first outing,” said coach Kunkel.

The only loss the ‘Hawks suffered was at No. 1 singles, where senior co-captain Caroline Kunkel took a hard-luck 5-7, 6-7 (7-9) defeat at the hands of Stacey Kohan.

“Caroline had more power and winners,” said coach Kunkel, “but Stacey was a bit more consistent with fewer unforced errors.”

Brittany Meier defeated Emily Daigle at No. 2 singles 6-3, 6-0 and Tara Ryan blanked Ashley Golder at No. 3 singles 6-0, 6-0. Michelle Serock, at No. 4 singles, opened her campaign with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Abby Majlak.

Meanwhile, senior co-captain Christina Andrews and Kim Allen put together a nice start at No. 1 doubles with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Amanda Giudice and Megan Wasilewski. At No. 2 doubles, Ashley Gabor and Jillian Tanner defeated Kristina Giudice and Emily Ryba 6-2, 6-0 and, at No. 3 doubles, Emily Fields and Sarah Salbu defeated Katie Haggans and Jen Soerensen 6-3, 6-0.

“Christina and Kim played a strong match at No. 1 doubles with some really great net points,” said coach Kunkel. “Brit, Michelle and Tara dominated with smart, steady game plans and I think Ashley and Jill could be a strong No. 2 doubles team. Emily and Sarah did well in their debut, too.”

Because of school vacation, the Lady Nighthawks won’t return to the court until Monday, April 21, when they travel to New Fairfield.

Two days later, they will be in Fairfield to take on Notre Dame and two days after that – on Friday, April 25 – they will host Weston at 3:45 pm.