Freedom girls’ tennis coach Mark Sigmon formalized his lineup the week of Aug. 24 in preparation for opening day, scheduled for Aug. 31.

Singles are set, however, with junior Isabella Szmodis at number one, senior Olivia Taylor at number two, and senior Keri Saulino at number three.

“They will be competitive in every match,” Sigmon said. “Isabella can play with anyone, five through 10. Olivia is very consistent and shouldn’t lose more than two matches, and Keri will win at least half of her matches.”

Coach Sigmon said the difference among the Patriots’ doubles contenders is simply the day of the week.

Vying for those spots were Navya Manne, a freshman, Devon Ulmer, Annika Katchur, Isabella Barberis, Anna Isbell, and Samantha Torok.

“The girls definitely want to play, and they’re eager to play,” said Sigmon, who was feeling fairly confident that the PIAA would give high school sports the green light on Aug. 21. “There have been no reports [of COVID-19] in noncontact sports.”

While Freedom will only compete against teams in Northampton County, there will be no conference tournament, and districts is a maybe.

Sigmon expects the Patriots will play two or three matches a week, for a total of 10. The other teams in Northampton County are Liberty, Bethlehem Catholic, Easton, Northampton, and Nazareth.

“On paper, Nazareth, Liberty, and Beca have more experience, and we have more than Northampton and Easton,” Sigmon said.