By Kyle LoJacono
Wiregrass Ranch girls tennis has done plenty of winning during its seven-year history.
The Bulls can boast four playoff berths, a regional title and a doubles state crown, and, for the first time, they can proudly proclaim themselves as defending district champions.
Wiregrass Ranch graduated three players from its top five after claiming the Class 4A-District 5 crown, but the Bulls have no intentions on lowering their expectations.
“We want to defend that title,” said Wiregrass Ranch sophomore Star Makarome. “We want to make it back to regionals and hopefully states as a team.”
Wiregrass Ranch has had to remake it’s top five, but returns a duo of talented sophomores in Tiffany Garner and Makarome, who reached states last year as a doubles team.
“Last year was so amazing; I don’t even know how to describe it,” Garner said. “The team was already so well off, so to be able to come in and help was a great experience. It was sad to lose those three seniors, but we’ve got some good players coming in, and I’m excited for what we can do.”
Makarome, who was named The Laker/Lutz News Girls Tennis Player of the Year, finished as the 4A state singles runner-up last season with a 12-1 record. She dropped only 21 games all season as a freshman while managing a schedule that included high-level junior events.
“I know how everything works now,” Makarome said. “I can schedule things better than last year, like with the tournaments I play in, so that I’m ready for districts and regionals and states. … After the school year ended I had a long stretch of nationals, and I feel like I improved as a player. My court sense got better, and my dad has been working with me, so hopefully I get to show people what I’ve learned since last year.”
It’s not uncommon for a player of Makarome’s ability to forgo competing in high school to focus on national competitions, but the Bulls ace said that thought never entered her mind.
“I really like playing high school tennis,” Makarome said. “Everyone is nice, and it’s just a lot of fun to do. That’s why I came back this year. … I don’t have any sisters, so these girls are like my sisters.”
Garner said having a player like Makarome in the No. 1 slot takes the pressure off the rest of the squad.
“With Star, you know she’s just going to bring it every time,” Garner said. “She was amazing as a freshmen playing national tournaments and then being out here and winning every match and every game. The team couldn’t be in a better situation with her at No. 1.”
Senior Eve Morissette added, “Everyone on the other team is scared to play her. She just never loses.”
Wiregrass Ranch also received a boost to its top three with the transfer of sophomore Victoria Chavez from Academy at the Lakes.
“We definitely added a strong player in Victoria, and I think that will make up for losing three seniors,” Makarome said.
Chavez relishes the chance to play on the same team with Makarome.
“I knew about Star,” Chavez said. “We usually competed in some of the same tournaments, so I’m really excited to play on the same team as her and to play for Wiregrass this year.”
The Bulls’ top three positions are set, and there is a trio of seniors battling for the remaining two slots: Crystal Giokas, Isabella Rodriguez and Morissette.
Giokas missed most of last season after hurting her neck and back in a car accident, but said she plans to make up for lost time this year.
“I’m so ready to get to play and have a good season,” Giokas said. “I want to go to states my last season. … I’m ready to kick some butt this year.”
Morissette and Rodriguez also said they are excited about the chance of staying in the top five fulltime with a program known for success.
“Tennis has been really good, the boys too, so it’s really great to be a part of that,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve been consistent. The top five has been amazing the last four years. It’s great to be a part of.”
Garner said the competition for positions will make the team stronger, especially come playoff time.
Wiregrass Ranch lost to Wharton in the first round of the postseason last season, falling 4-1.
“It was definitely a step up playing (Wharton) in regionals,” Garner said. “We hadn’t had to face that before. … I think that has motivated us to stay strong. If we make it to regionals that’s the kind of competition we’ll face.”
The Bulls start the season at Ridgewood Feb. 7 at 3:15 p.m.
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
