Gladstone senior Lauren Sundquist attempts to return a ball against Escanaba on Aug. 19, 2024 at Pfotenhauer Park in Gladstone. (Adam Hinch/Daily Press)

GLADSTONE — Every team faces challenges and obstacles at the start of a season.

Gladstone girls tennis is no exception. Its challenge is replacing seven seniors from its 2023 team.

The Braves are left with a plethora of new faces in 2024. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“We are not left with many experienced players,” Gladstone coach Ryan Barron said. “Our team is very young but also very coachable.”

The Braves boast one senior in Lauren Sundquist, who is filling the void as the Braves No. 1 player in singles action. Tati Martinez will be at No. 2 for singles action while junior Alexis Birch assumes responsibility at the No. 3 singles role. Carly Maki rounds off the lineup as the No. 4 option in singles.

The doubles play field also boasts youth.

Mac Nelson and Lola Vargo will team up to attack No. 1 doubles. Lily Ketchum and Ellie Mathias will be at No, 2 doubles. Miranda Drielick and Marta LaPlant will be at No. 3 doubles with Taylor Hastings and Ella Howes grabbing the reins at No. 4 doubles.

While the Braves may lack experience in high pressure situations in 2024, they do possess a level of coachability and a strong sense of optimism from the coaching staff.

“We are eager to see improvement as the year goes along,” Barron said. “I have no doubt that this team will grow by leaps and bounds as we go through this season.”