In a competitive Region 1, the girls tennis race could be wide open this season. The Davis Darts want to seize the opportunity to claim the league championship.

“Our goal is to bring home a region title,” head coach Lexi Frey said. 

Defeating a group of region opponents that includes Layton (which finished above Davis at the Class 6A state tournament a year ago) and Weber (which tied Davis at state last season) won’t be easy. Farmington is also solid. The Darts were eighth at state in 2023. Still, Frey believes if her girls are committed and put forth a consistent effort in practices and matches, good things should be in store for the team. 

“My expectations this season are that the girls show up every day and put in the work,” she said. “If they put in the work, we will see the results we want.”

Experienced veterans Anni Goaslind and Ava Dunyon are the top players on the squad. They occupy the first singles and second singles slots, respectively. Goaslind qualified for state in first singles a year ago, while Dunyon played third singles last season, getting to the state quarterfinals. They, along with the other varsity team members, have important responsibilities to improve their games and contribute to the team. Frey believes if every girl does her part, success will come. 

“Every girl needs to play their role for our team to be successful,” she said. “If our girls put in the time and effort, we are hopeful to see good results.”

Team chemistry and unity haven’t been a problem for the Darts. Frey said the girls support one another, cheer for one another and get along well off the court. 

“This team’s biggest strength is how they work together and build each other,” Frey said. 

One challenge the Darts face this season is their youthfulness and inexperience. Davis graduated some key players off last year’s squad. It’s never easy to replace departed contributors, so Frey is hoping younger players will rise to the occasion and develop quickly. Some varsity team members are playing at this level for the first time. 

“We are asking a lot of new girls to step into leadership roles,” she said. 

The Darts won its opening match of the season and impressed Frey with their hard work, preparation and composure on the court. Davis will play against Region 1 competition throughout the season and work to qualify for the 6A tournament by participating in the Region 1 tournament beforehand. State begins with the first round on Oct. 5. On Oct. 10 and 12, the later rounds take place at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. 

Regardless of how many wins the girls pick up or where the Darts place in region or state, Frey enjoys coaching the team. She’s grateful for the chance to work with hard-working players and good young women. 

“I love the personalities and that I have a lot of girls willing to work hard in their roles,” she said.