Improving on last year's performance is the common theme among area teams for the 2004 high school girls tennis season, which began this week.

From Seneca Valley's senior-laden lineup to Grove City High's mix of veterans and youth, all five teams are looking for success this fall.

The Golden Tornado lost three seniors from a 9-7 team last year, including No. 2 singles standout Ali Steriopulos.But coach Alisa Green has confidence in her three singles players this season.The trio is made up of senior Jocelyn Kerr and sophomores Courtney Kerr and Kristin Cypher."The sophomores are young, but they're already strong players and very dedicated," said Green. "We've got several young players who could do well for us this year."The top doubles team has Angie Byrnes paired with Ashley Brenkle while Ashley Grenek and Ashlee Green make up the second team."I think we can be as good as we were last season, hopefully better," said Coach Green. "We should be fighting for one of the top three spots in our section. I'm confident in this team's overall ability."

The Eagles have suffered two straight losing seasons but are looking to right their ship this fall.Leading the way will be the team's top two singles players, juniors Kathryn Myer and Julie Molloy."Last year, Kathryn was our No. 2," said Eagles coach Shawn Sowers. "She's been moved up to No. 1."I was looking at Julie being a very good No. 3 for us, but her play has moved her up a spot. We are expecting her to come up with some big wins this year," the coach addedPlaying at No. 3 singles will be freshman Danielle Delligatti.Senior Micaela May and sophomore Christine Port comprise the top doubles duo while senior Carrie Phillips and junior Kendall Persch make up the other."Things are finally looking up again for us," said Sowers. "We do have a lot of inexperience, so we are remaining conservative with our goal, which is to be .500."

The Knights' top singles spots feature a veteran leader in senior Natalie Jenereski and a young talent in sophomore Chelsea Gibson."Natalie has been either our first or second singles player since her freshman year," said Knoch coach Melissa Barger. "And Chelsea plays in the (United States Tennis Association). She has been ranked as high as No. 1 in her age group."Senior Katie Rummel will be counted on to solidify the third singles position.Katelyn Hanson and Tiffany Allen are the top doubles team, with the second tandem yet to be decided."We feel we have three very good singles players," said Barger. "And our doubles teams should fare well, too."

The Planets lost four players to graduation, including top singles player Casie Andrascik.Fourth-year coach Mark Varlotta still has high hopes with five seniors returning from a team that finished 11-6 in 2003.Christine Clark and Brittany Barnes will be the team's top singles players.Fellow senior Lauren Ludwig will join sophomore Erin Flynn as the top doubles team.Senior Amanda Charles and junior Christie Hansen will be Mars' second duo.Freshman Katrina Erdahl will be responsible for the third singles position."Christine, Brittany and Lauren have started the last three years," said Varlotta. "We've got high expectations for them and the team as a whole.

The Raiders will look to improve on a 6-9 record in 2003 following the loss of Mandy Hajduk, Alli Winn, Kiera Caranzza and Sarah Dobson to graduation.But the Raiders' top seven girls this season are seniors, including returning No. 1 singles player Kelly Stenger."She's improved her game," said Raiders coach Jason Shorr. "She has become more aggressive and there is more power behind her swing this year."Catherine Gignac and Grace Larkin round out the starting singles field.Brittany Johnson and Mindy McCloskey and Veronica DelGreco and Danielle Millett comprise the two doubles teams.