The Lobo Tennis team is preparing for their line-up for the 2004 -05 school year.

Coach Josie McAnally believes the players this year are coming along great as a whole.

"This year's team overall has good chemistry in working together," McAnally said.  Within nine returnees, there are three seniors playing this year.

There are eleven boys and ten girls playing for the Lobo varsity tennis team.

The low numbers of players prevents the formation of a junior varsity this year.

In the boys' singles, John Wilhelm, a junior and Steven Martinez, a junior are a few that McAnally is looking to excel this year.  Treena Escamilla, a senior and Irene Blocker, a senior are named to excel for the girls singles.

 "I think this year will be better than last year, the players are more serious and some juniors are stepping up to become leaders," Wilhelm said.

"Warm-ups are looking good and everyone is working together.  I think we have a good chance at regionals and state," Escamilla said.

The Lobo tennis team last attended to regionals in 2000 and last state in 1999.

A chance in the workout routine has made a difference in all the players.

"The girls are stronger than last year," Blocker said.

The first test for the Lobo Tennis team will be next week on September 14 when they will compete against the Ft. Stockton Panthers starting at 4p.m. on the Lobo home court.

"The Fort Stockton teams are good, so we need to step up to the challenge," Martinez said.

"I hope we do good next week, it should be closer in scores than last year," Wilhelm said.