By Catherine Garrett | [email protected]

In building a girls tennis program at Corner Canyon High School, head coach Allison Rideout put her players up against some good early competition to prepare for a formidable Region 4 schedule.

The Chargers defeated Riverton and Morgan while losing to Skyline and Bingham prior to beginning region play in late August.

“We did well in preseason,” Rideout said. “This is definitely a building year but we have some girls that worked really hard over the past year and their improvement is obvious— Sierra Strong, Emma Bench and Mazie Purser.”

Eisley Nestman is the No. 1 singles player for Corner Canyon and Rideout recognizes her “difficult position.” 

“Eisley is working hard and leaving it all out on the court,” Rideout said. “She ducks her head down during each match and we are so proud of her.”

Rideout also noted the three freshman “who are doing a great job” in the varsity lineup (Kate Ord, Mia Judd and Tayvee Ash) along with team captains Strong, Abby Brady, Eden Jacobs and Maddie Ross who were credited for their “phenomenal job” in encouragement and leadership among the team. 

In Region 4 play, the Chargers defeated Westlake (twice) and Pleasant Grove 3-2, avenging a 3-2 loss earlier in the year. They have lost to American Fork (twice), Lone Peak (twice) and Skyridge (twice). 

“Our region is ridiculously tough,” Rideout said. “I personally love that we get to play the best players in the state. It makes us stronger, but it can also be defeating. We are focusing on setting individual match goals and not the win because we need to see improvement and progression and when we see that, it is a win.”

Also on the varsity squad this season are Jacquelyn Marsh and Lauren Ashton. Junior varsity players are Bella Boman, Nara Robertson, Alexis Wahlquist, Kendyll Catmull, Bridgette Marsh, Saige Talbot, Olivia Hulme and Julianna Buchmiller with alternates Olivia Muir, Abbie Tripp, Brynn Lewis, Ellie Aoki, Addi Schmidt, Kadee Goldberg, Katie Kessler, Presley Germer, Katie Shaffer, Monet Oaks, Shelyn Preede, Izzy Bodell, Jocelyn Cosgrave, Jenna Smedley and Ella Hansen. Afton Milne is the team manager.

“Although the losses are there, there was improvement in each match,” Rideout said. “Our girls have competed well. As a team we are also focusing on team unity, learning how important it is to show up for your teammates.”

Corner Canyon’s JV squad competed at the Region 4 tournament in American Fork Sept. 17, losing to Pleasant Grove and then on the second day, which was delayed until Sept. 20 because of rain, the Chargers lost to Lone Peak. Sierra Strong qualified for the 6A state tournament at No. 2 singles. “We were really happy with how all the girls competed,” Rideout said. “It showed us how hard they have worked, how far we have come, and what we need to work on in the future.”