Following an 8-5 fall campaign a year ago, runner-up finish in District 6-4A and bi-district championship, the Brownwood High tennis team is looking to improve on those accolades as the 2021 team tennis season begins Tuesday.

The Lions and Lady Lions venture to Sweetwater to face Snyder at 9 a.m. and San Angelo Lake View at 1:30 p.m.

“We’re looking good,” said Brownwood High tennis head coach Crystal Blazek. “I had a bunch of them over the summer go to A&M camps, our camp, and a lot of them were playing in tournaments, so I’m expecting a good year.”

Blazek expects the Lions and Lady Lions to vie for a district championship with reigning 6-4A title holder Gatesville expected to again be the primary competition.

“We should have another good fight with Gatesville for the district title,” Blazek said. “They’ll be tough, they’re returning a lot.”

Brownwood also welcomes back a solid in nucleus in Victoria Ramos, Tatum Dehart and Aishwarya Nigalye on the girls side, along with Peter Le, Dillon Gatlin and River Prado in the boys draw.

“Victor and Peter, both of those two advanced to regionals last year in individual tennis,” Blazek said. “The top half of the line up is going to be our strength. Their experience and skill level is very high. I expect them to lead the younger ones and mentor and push them throughout the season.”

Newcomers to keep an eye on include Raylei Hickey, Claire Meinecke, Emma Delgado and Natalie Mares for the Lady Lions, as well as Wesley Goodrich and Eric Waldrop for the Lions.

Following the season opening matches Tuesday, Brownwood’s pre-district slate includes Killeen High, Godley, Weatherford, Argyle, Graham and Wall.

As for the early season goals, Blazek said, “I’d like to see us come out and play doubles really well. In team tennis doubles is so important so I want to see some of the new ones that are playing up get off to a good start. I think singles will take care of itself.”

District 6-4A action begins Sept. 9 at Glen Rose.

Regarding the key to capturing a district championship, Blazek said, “We have to work hard, put in the hours, and get after it to have another successful year and get that accomplished.”

BROWNWOOD HIGH TENNIS

FALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 10 Snyder (at Sweetwater), 9 a.m.

Aug. 10 San Angelo Lake View (at Sweetwater), 1:30 p.m.

Aug. 14 Killeen High, 9 a.m.

Aug. 14 Godley, 1:30 p.m.

Aug. 17 at Weatherford, Noon

Aug. 17 Argyle (at Weatherford), 4 p.m.

Aug. 21 Graham, 9 a.m.

Aug. 21 Wall, 1:30 p.m.

Aug. 26 San Angelo Lake View, 4 p.m.

Sept. 9 at Glen Rose*, 4 p.m.

Sept. 23 Gatesville*, 4 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Lampasas*, 9 a.m.

Sept. 30 Stephenville*, 4 p.m.

*District 6-4A Match