Chilton County High School fields its first ever girls’ tennis team this spring.

Emily Espenan is the first-year coach for both the boys and girls teams.

Espenan worked with former boys coach Chris Miller last season, when she saw much interest in forming a girls’ team.

“We decided to ask around and see what kind of interest we had,” said Espenan.

Word about the program spread, which lead to signups, tryouts and fall workouts.

“I’m hoping this continues to grow,” Espenan said. “The high school needs more girls sports—so I’m glad that worked out.”

The squad currently has five members and will play 12 matches this season.

Team members are Anna Adams, freshman; Mary Colby Kelley, freshman; Raven Howell, senior; Megan Franklin, junior; and Lauren Morgan, senior.

Tennis is a new sport for all the girls, Espenan said.

Espenan is in her second year as an eighth-grade history teacher at Clanton Middle School. She played tennis for John Carroll High School in Birmingham.

The girls lost their first decision 0-9 against Wetumpka. The boys won their match that day 5-4.

The remaining Chilton County tennis teams’ schedules are below.

March 9: Jemison – Home (boys and girls) 3:30

March 23: Prattville – Home (boys and girls) 3:30

March 25: Central Tuscaloosa- at Tuscaloosa (boys and girls) 2:00

March 25: Walker – at Tuscaloosa (boys and girls) 2:00

March 30: Thompson – at Thompson (boys and girls) 3:45

April 1: Prattville- at Prattville (boys and girls) 3:30

April 5: Wetumpka – at Wetumpka (boys) 3:45

April 6: Wetumpka – at Wetumpka (girls) 3:45

April 8: Demopolis – at Demopolis (boys and girls) 2:00

April 8: Pleasant Grove – at Demopolis (boys and girls) 2:00

April 12: Holtville – Home (boys and girls) 3:30

April 15: Jemison – at Jemison (boys and girls) 3:30

*April 20: Sectional Tournament (girls) at Walker

*April 22: Sectional Tournament (boys) at Walker