The Yellow Jackets Girls’ Tennis team shared the Region III-3A title last year with Riverside and Clinton, but expectations are higher for this year’s team.

All starters are returning on a young, but experienced Jacket club. Kelsey Harris, Brittany Ledford, and Rachel Jones are the only seniors on the team.

The future looks bright as competition is beginning early at the middle school level.

“We have a lot of talent coming back and the young girls are competing at Sims,” head coach Kelly Jenkins said.

Singles players are Harris, junior Lauren Harrison, sophomore Abby Allen, junior Kristen Martin, junior Logan Wade, Ledford and Jones. Coach Jenkins expects level competition for the top three singles spots.

The team will face tough non-region competition as they face traditionally rich 4A programs like Spartanburg and Dorman.

Union will play in the Highway 221 Opener August 25. Union, Laurens, Southside Christian, Landrum, Woodruff, Dorman and Boiling Springs will participate in the non-region match at Dorman High School.

The team’s first home match is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 18 vs. Riverside. Admission is free.