The 2017 Wyoming High School State Tennis Championships will take place Thursday through Saturday in Gillette.

Play for over 250 student-athletes will begin at four different venues utilized Thursday and Friday. All of the day 3 action, including the championship matches will be at the Campbell Country Recreation Center.

The Laramie Lady Plainsmen are the defending champions, but have just two players in the line-up that have experience at the state championships. They are juniors Ally France and Kyra Wulff.

By contrast, the Laramie Plainsmen are coming off a tie for the South Regional Championship last weekend and return five players in their line-up that have played at state before. That includes Kyle Moore and four players that are part of doubles teams.

Laramie head coach Elizabeth Clower feels the Plainsmen can contend for the title.

“The boys went last year, and we lost some tough three-setters. We were close and ended up 12th. That did not sit well with them, so I think they’re ready."

Clower feels the draws are fine, and she’s comfortable with them. She added that we know everything’s out the window at state since everyone comes to compete.

The Laramie boys will get tough competition from Campbell County and Cheyenne Central among others.

As for the Lady Plainsmen, Clower says they’re pushing for top four.

“The experience last year has given them a little bit of confidence that you don’t know what’s gonna happen at state, and you can win some matches you’re not supposed to win. They’re ready to go for it.”

Clower admitted the ladies have some more difficult draws, especially at No. 1 doubles, but she believes they can pull through if they trust in their training.

Play begins each day at 8:30 a.m. The venues include Campbell County High School, Thunder Basin High School, the Campbell County Rec Center and the Bicentennial Courts.

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