WINONA LAKE, Ind. - Grace's women's tennis team is eager to take to the courts for the 2017 season. First-year head coach Marcus Moore has brought in three new players to establish a small but solid crew.

The Lady Lancers lost six players from last year's team due to graduation. Grace went 11-5 in 2016 to tie the program record for most wins in a season. But Moore is confident that this year's Lady Lancers can continue last season's momentum.

Four returners are back from the impressive 2016 squad. Jenna Jackson, Molly Fitzpatrick, Carrie Copeland and Shelby Bankson will be counted on to lead the young squad. The teammates have a career combined record of 73-55.

"We expect and need our newcomers to contribute right away. With such a small team due to graduation, we will need them to step in right away and be ready to roll," Moore said. 

During the offseason Moore added Emily Mast, Briana Diehl and Samantha Meyer. The trio will be integral to Grace's success this season. 

Mast, who competed at Fairfield High School, is a transfer from the University of Toledo. Mast won all three of her matches playing for the Lady Rockets. Diehl's specialty is doubles. The freshman helped Fort Wayne Canterbury into the Top 25 rankings throughout her high school career.

Moore hopes the team can improve on doubles' play this year. The returners have a combined record of 32-18 in doubles, and Moore believes the team can better that rate. "Too often in close matches, we give away a match or two at doubles which could ultimately determine the outcome."

According to Moore, the team has worked hard in the offseason to prepare for the upcoming year, and they have impressed so far in preseason practices. 

"My goals are pretty simple. I want us to be significantly better the first week of October than we were at the middle of August. And most importantly, I want all of us to continue to further our faith and grow spiritually," Moore said.

The Lady Lancers play at Miller Field six times this season, including the season opener on Friday at 2:30 p.m. against IU Kokomo.