STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Plenty of lineup options for Lynx tennis squad this fall

The move from spring to fall for girls tennis has only helped to strengthen the Webster City program.

Head coach Mark Fisher boasts a roster of nearly 30 athletes, led in 2026 by seniors Gabbie Sebert, Natalie Segar and Olivia Bergman.

Paisyn Bare, Miley Mason, Abby Heckert and eighth-grader Chloe Bakken are all competing for varsity positions in the lineup this season.

"We're excited to have 29 girls currently signed up for tennis," Fisher said. "I know there were some programs that were worried the move to the fall might impact their numbers, but in the two (seasons) since the move, we've seen our numbers grow."

Fisher also pointed to the talents of Ava Otteros, Brielle Burgin, Lizzie Westrum, Hilary Worden, Elizabeth VanDemark and Grace Andrews.

"Looking at our lineup, we started four seniors in the first meet along with two first-year players with a ton of potential," Fisher said. "We also have 11 seniors signed up, so experience is definitely something we don't lack. Even more than that is the depth we have developed beyond just what would be a Top-6.

"We have plenty of competition for both varsity and junior varsity spots. I’m also pleased with the development we have started to build with our youth and middle school, so that now we have very few young girls in those grades that don't already have quite a bit of experience."

Webster City posted a 6-6 record in duals a season ago, placing second at the North Central Conference Tournament.

Sebert won 10 matches playing the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 positions as a junior in 2025, including a 7-3 mark at No. 3. Segar won seven times, and Bergman had six match victories.

"This has been a great group to work with," Fisher said. "I'm excited to get started and see where this season takes us. It goes by far too quickly every year."

The Lynx host Grundy Center and Oelwein on Friday in a triangular for their home opener.