The 2006 tennis season has opened with promise. The boys’ team has started the season 11-0, with impressive wins highlighted by the defeat of County No.1 Coral Gables. The girls have started 9-2 with wins against North Miami Beach, Goleman and LaSalle.

Matches against top teams in Coral Gables and Killian have proved the boys can play among the elite. The girls have also had some impressive wins over top ranked teams like Gulliver and Ransom.

The boys’ team is lead by senior captain Sergio Nuñez, who “has waited his time to be captain and has all the necessary leadership qualities and experience,” Coach Michael Kypriss said. Nuñez is ranked second on the team, preceded by junior Ryan Kim. Sophomore Gino Ramirez and freshmen William Federhofer and Alec Krantz round out the remainder of the top five.

“We’re young but we’re talented. We’re regrouping,” Kypriss said. Last year the boys finished second at states behind Killian. Kypriss is optimistic about the team’s chances for finishing first. “We have enough talent to continue to be one of the top two teams in the state. As long as we continue to stay healthy we could be state champions,” he said.

“With our combination of leadership and drive, I think we have a good shot at states,” junior and veteran of three years Danny Fertig said.

Girls’ coach Damon Halback is also optimistic about his team’s performance and hopes to improve upon their fourth place finish at last year’s states. “We’re returning all our starters from last year and all have experience at the state tournament,” he said.

Senior captain Tanja Vucetic leads the team as a four-year starter and has been a finalist at the state-level several times in singles and doubles, but due to injuries sophomore Taylor Dubins is currently playing as number one. Dubins has been a finalist in doubles and a quarterfinalist in singles at states. Another leader for the team is junior Deon Miller, who currently plays second due to Vucetic’s injuries.

Halback constantly notices his team’s dynamic. “Our team chemistry creates a positive attitude that translates into our performance on the court.”

Junior and veteran of three years Joanne Niego thinks the team will go far. “Our team has strong and committed players that will fight for us at states.”