GIRLS TENNIS PREVIEW Sensational sophomores look to make a statement

& lt;a href=mailto:bassetti@vindy.com & gt;By JOHN BASSETTI & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Renee Lesnett and Rachel McGowan may fluctuate as the first and second singles players for Canfield High this season, but there's no doubt they're co-stars on the area stage.
Just sophomores, both have state and district tournament experience.
Lesnett was among the final 16 in Columbus in Division I last year while McGowan reached the district. Both lost in the first round.
"They're the two best in the area coming back, by far," said Canfield coach Pat Pavlansky.
In addition, Canfield's team ended the 2002 season ranked sixth in Div. I in the state coaches poll.
With six players returning, the Cardinals should have another good season.
Canfield lost doubles players Jaime Bastian and Ashley Nard, but return Krystle Hively, Nikki Camardo, Jillian Nard and Caryn Kovach.
Different styles
Although Pavlansky's top two may be neck-and-neck, their games aren't interchangeable.
"Renee is very consistent," the coach said. "She's not afraid to be aggressive and attack. Consistency does her well. Rachel is much more powerful, but she's learning to be more consistent and that's making her better.
"Rachel's trying to get some consistency that is in Renee's game and Renee is trying to get some of power that is in Rachel's game. They're learning to win in different ways and it's a nice situation for a coach."
Pavlansky has had state qualifiers every year but one of his nine seasons.
"These two are right there with every one of those who have made state," he said. "Barring injury, we expect both to do well again this year."
Comparison
There are parallels and contrasts between the two who were neighbors for several years and went to grade school together.
Lesnett has an older sister who qualified for state three straight years, while McGowan is an only child.
McGowan started playing at age 5. Renee began at 10 when her sister got her involved.
Both, of course, have been active in United States Tennis Association tournaments. Recently, Lesnett took part in zonal competition in St. Louis, while McGowan competed in the Midwest Open, an event for national points in Evanston, Ill.
Lesnett, who just turned 16, relies on top-spin to baffle opponents.
"The ball kicks after it bounces, then you work for the point on the court," Renee said of the tactic to throw off an opponent during a volley.
Both players enjoy the high school team aspect.
"I never played on a team before," McGowan said. "I like the rooting and support. I never had that experience before. It's fun."
Ditto for Lesnett.
"Playing USTA, it's all by yourself except for team competition," she said.
High hopes
The daughter of Mark and Adrienne Lesnett is following a pace set by her sister, Allison, who plays at Denison University. Allison reached state her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons before getting hurt during sectional competition as a senior.
McGowan, who will turn 16 in November, is looking forward to this season and hopes to do a lot better.
"I've been working on becoming more consistent and on the mental game in general," she said. "You need both to compete at a high level. You have to have both kinds of games."
Rachel's strength is her right forehand and she's also worked to improved her serve.
The daughter of Rich and Melinda McGowan actually got started in tennis when her mother went for lessons, then deferred to her 5-year-old who showed more promise.
& lt;a href=mailto:bassetti@vindy.com & gt;bassetti@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;