KIF tennis serves up its season opener on Saturday in Hanalei, Po’ipu

The Hanalei Bay Resort and Kiahuna Tennis Courts will be crowded with high school athletes on Saturday, with the 2006 KIF tennis season opener on tap at both locations.

Kaua’i and Kula battle at the Hanalei Bay Resort Courts and both Waimea and Island trade serves at Kiahuna. Both matches begin promptly at 12 noon.

Kapa’a freshman Lyndsey Tom is the top girls player going into the 2006 campaign.

The Junior Tennis star takes over for departed Kaua’i standout, Alex Sirois, who dominated the girls scene for the duration of her brilliant prep career.

Sirois’ younger sister, Cassady, along with teammate Megan Vento, should be counted on to lead a strong Red Raider girls’ squad, which features new head coach Kristen Konishi.

Kula’s Ariel Carlson, who challenged for the girls’ top seed last year, should also make a run at the top again this season.

Meanwhile, Island School’s Justin Vea is the top boys player, with Red Raider standout Jordan Kukino heading off to college.

The dynamic Kula duo of Kyle Barrett and Alex Latif return for their senior season, after two nice state runs in the doubles tournament.

The state qualifying matches happen on April 27-28, with the state tournament going from May 10-13 at the Kiahuna Tennis Courts.

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.