Tennis serves up the season

 Lewiston tennis started back up last month with a bang, however due to the weather conditions, the team had to slow production.
  Coaches have had to hold a multitude of the practices indoors, however every once in awhile the sun and the temperature changed, allowing for an outdoor practice.
  Coach Sandi Stocks emphasized that the indoor practices take a toll on the teams, but said the kids are flourishing still.
  “Many of the kids contain ‘raw athleticism’ and have a real natural talent for the game,” Stocks said.  
  Tennis’ first scheduled meet was March 14, in Couer d’Alene, but was cancelled due to weather. In March alone Varsity and JV have had five different meets.
  “The season gets started early and slow, but once it gets going it goes so fast,” said Jessica Vogel.
  Vogel has played since she was a freshman, and while she started out on junior varsity, she is now returning to varsity for her senior year.
  “[Playing for] JV is a necessity — it’s about finding a love for the sport and understanding the game,” Vogel said. “You need to learn to love it before you become competitive.”
  With the experience of many returning varsity players such as Vogel, Madelyn Parkey, Rae Ann Kirk and Troy Ahlers, the Bengals hope to bring trophies for both the girls and boys back to Lewiston.
  “It’s definitely fun to watch these kids play,” Stocks said. “I love to see them grow and develop a love for the game.”
  Demonstrating her own love of the sport, Vogel plans to keep playing after high school.
  “I probably won’t go on to play professionally, but it is a sport that you can play even into the old years of your life,” said Vogel, adding that tennis is a game for everybody, anytime.