By Kyle LoJacono
The Land O’ Lakes girls tennis team has tasted the playoffs the last two seasons, but the Gators aren’t content with maintaining that streak.
The 2013 squad wants more, namely the first district championship in program history.
“We’re working really, really hard this year because we really want to win districts,” said junior Cori Arndt. “We’ve been runner-up the last two years. We really want to win and play our best.”
Land O’ Lakes appears to be a team in transition at first glance. It graduated two players from its top five, including No. 1 Linzi Arndt. The Gators also lost Samantha DelValle, who coached the squad the last three years but resigned to take an assistant principal job at Pasco High.
The change at coach was made easier when Karen Turman was named the squad’s leader.
Turman has coached high school tennis in Central Pasco County for 16 years and started the girls program at Sunlake. Her work schedule at Pine View Elementary prevented her from leading a squad last year, but she assisted the Gators and helped coach Monday practices at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.
“I’ve known coach Turman since the third grade because she was my gym coach in elementary school, and I’ve played tennis with her ever since then,” said sophomore Anne Schwartz. “She was definitely the right person for the job.”
Turman did bring in one change.
“When I took over I told them the first day we’re a very good team, but we need to be a great team; that’s our motto,” said Turman, who thanked her principal Judy Cosh for working with her schedule so she can coach the squad. “We need to be a great team by April 2 when our district starts. We worked more on strategy, especially in doubles, because the fundamentals are already there. That’s where you’re going to win your matches.”
The squad also had a new No. 1 in waiting in sophomore Kavya Avancha.
“Last year (Avancha) was a scared little freshman; this year I see none of that,” Turman said. “This year I see an experienced player, and she has no problems. She’s pretty fierce on the court.”
Arndt added, “I have no doubts in Kavya. She is totally ready to be the No. 1.”
Avancha said she’s worked on being more confident coming to the net, especially in doubles play. She’s also tried to take on the leadership role that comes with being a squad’s ace.
“Last year it was a new experience and didn’t expect to be at the top of the lineup,” Avancha said. “Now I feel like I have to lead, and it’s a new experience again. … Linzi had those leadership qualities last year, so I looked to her to learn how to do that.”
The Gators have filled in the remaining two spots in the top five with a pair of freshmen — Deneen Wang and Sophie Pawlak.
“The freshmen are really good this year,” Avancha said. “They’re really talented and adding a lot, and I really think the team is a lot better than last year because of them.”
Wang said she didn’t have high expectations when she tried out.
“I just knew they had a team and wanted to join,” Wang said. “I didn’t know I’d make it, so I am surprised I’m in the top five.”
Pawlak said she joined because Schwartz suggested it to her.
“It was like family the first day,” Pawlak said. “They’re all really amazing players.”
Turman said the freshmen fit right in from Day 1.
“You wouldn’t even know they’re freshmen,” Turman said. “The best part is they’re a team. Everyone gets along very well. It doesn’t matter what grade they’re in. It’s a team unit.”
Junior Joslyn Lafond said they also have belief in everyone.
“We don’t really have any weak players,” Lafond said. “We can interchange our players and feel pretty confident.”
The changes don’t seem to have hurt Land O’ Lakes, which is 9-2 with its only losses coming in 4-3 contests to Central and Springstead.
“I think that we’ve been building up after we got used to the transition,” Schwartz said. “Last year I think we peaked at the right time, and I see the same thing happening now.”
River Ridge hosts the Class 3A-District 6 tournament April 2 to 3. Land O’ Lakes plays at home against River Ridge March 18 at 3 p.m.
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
