Royal High tennis down in 2012, looking up for 2013

ROYAL CITY - This year's Royal High School tennis season was filled with the normal ups and downs, and the uncooperative weather made it seem longer than normal.

"I have to commend the complete squad for their dedication and determination for sitting through the rain and wind to play matches," coach Tim Melum said.

No Knight made it to state. Only the girls doubles team of Morgan Small and Allie Janett competed in the district tournament, finishing eighth. Noah Grant and Zahrai Rodriguez were singles alternates to district.

Although the boys finished the year with a 2-10 record, Melum said, these eight young men demonstrated a desire to compete and have fun. The most notable players were Grant and Jesus Miron, who won the JV Invite for boys singles on May 5.

Two other boys receiving recognition are Zeyu Chen, Royal's exchange student from China, and Luis Ramirez.

"Zeyu deserves mention for coming out and experiencing tennis for the first time in his life and playing with an extreme amount of excitement and determination to better himself," Melum said. "And Luis for his epic come from behind victory in a three hour match against Wahluke earlier in the year."

The girls wound up with a 4-8 record, an improvement on last year. This team was completely rebuilt with only Allie Janett, Morgan Small, and Diana Santa Cruz returning from last year.

With the additions of Rodriguez, Robin Grant, Bailey Workinger, Nancy Ortiz, and Karol Ramos, the Knights put together a team that will return next year intact and ready for a run at the league leaders.

Some girls who turned in stellar performances are the doubles team of Nancy Ortiz and Karol Ramos and singles player Rodriguez. Two more girls who should be recognized are Brenda Nunez and Magaly Sosa for filling in from the JV ranks when needed for either doubles play or singles matches.