When Salisbury girls tennis head coach Greg Laub took over the program during the offseason he was encouraged that 29 players signed up for open gyms.

That feeling changed quickly when no girls players attended the open gyms while nearly the entire boys team, which Laub also coaches, attended regularly.

When the season rolled around, Laub had five players on his roster, which includes just two players returning from last year and one who had never played tennis before signing up for the team.

“I was so encouraged,” Laub said of his feeling when seeing the open gym sign ups. “I was going to be able to turn this program around. I see all those kids sign up, but when I did open gyms no one showed up. We’re going to try with what we‘ve got.”

For the second straight season the team won’t be able to field a full line up, but the players who are part of the team will compete in matches.

Senior Mia Kezengwa returns as the team’s No. 1 singles player this season. Sophomore Neileen Perez was also on last year’s roster. Freshman Kacie Kaugh will play in the No. 2 singles position.

Sophomore Jaylene Vazquez and Perez will make up the team’s No. 1 doubles team. Freshman Ariana Cachia is new to the sport and could join the line up for matches sometime during the season.

“The girls we have are decent players, but many of them are so new,” said Laub. “I commend them for coming out.”

Laub also had commendation for team manager Nolan Grejda, who is the No. 1 player on the boys team and a member of the Falcon cross country team this fall. Grejda, a senior, helps instruct the girls players on the game.

“He’s a godsend for the team,” said Laub. “He is so good at working with them. If it wasn’t for Nolan Grejda we wouldn’t be doing well at all.”

Salisbury got its season underway on Aug. 23 against Pen Argyl, losing 4-0.