Eagles set goals high

The Estancia High girls tennis team has been snake-bitten in the CIF

Southern Section Division V playoffs recently, losing 10-8 the last

two years in the second round, including last season’s heartbreaker

to Aquinas.

But with freshman phenom Ellie Edles ready to join Sara Stratton

as a force in singles, the Eagles look to take things a step further.

“We want to get to the quarters,” said Estancia Coach Rachel de

los Santos.

Edles is an experienced tournament player. She joins Stratton as

the only players on the team with extensive competitive experience

outside of high school.

“She’s a tournament player and has a singles ranking in

California,” said de los Santos. “You can tell she’s been taught by a

pro.”

Stratton heads a list of talented returners that include senior

Heather Morton and the No. 1 doubles team of Cathy Pittman and Sage

O’Toole -- a senior tandem that went 27-3 last year.

“They have the potential to go undefeated this year,” said de los

Santos.

Also returning is senior Sarah Muradian. Last year, Muradian

played No. 2 doubles with Marci Kirchberg, who was lost to

graduation. The duo made it to the CIF individual playoffs, but were

eliminated in the first round.

Joining Edles as another key freshman is Jennifer Johnston, who

will most likely start in doubles. Johnston is one of multiple

players trying to slide into the No. 2 doubles slot with Muradian.

Other key players for the Eagles this season include senior Krizia

Tonin, who originally is from Italy. She comes to Estancia High by

way of Texas and could be a key addition in doubles.

Seniors Susan Cloud and Gabby Cox make the jump to varsity from

the junior varsity squad. Elizabeth Armstrong and Kirsten Miller,

alternates on the varsity team last year, will likely battle for

playing time.

Stratton and Edles both have tournament experience, which should

give the team a boost in singles.

“In the past we haven’t had strong singles players,” said de los

Santos. “But now we have singles players with tournament experience

and consistent doubles players.”

Estancia expects to compete for the Golden West League title and

make a long run in the CIF playoffs. Last year, the Eagles tied for

the league championship with Westminster, and would like to win the

title outright this season.

“We’re going for the league championship,” said de los Santos. “I

expect Westminster to be our toughest competition.”

Last year, Estancia split two matches with Westminster. They will

probably need a sweep against the Lions to capture the league title.

“We dominated in doubles last year but didn’t do so well in

singles against Westminster,” said de los Santos. “We should have the

edge in singles this season.”

Estancia plays at Segerstrom 3 p.m. Tuesday.

EAGLES ROSTER

Heather Morton Sr.

Sara Stratton Jr.

Cathy Pittman Sr.

Sage O’Toole Sr.

Sarah Muradian Sr.

Ellie Edles Fr.

Jennifer Johnston Fr.

Elizabeth Armstrong Sr.

Kirsten Miller Sr.

Krizia Tonin Sr.

Susan Cloud Sr.

Gabby Cox Sr.

Coach: Rachel de los Santos