ARLINGTON — Like many sophomores on the first day of tryouts, Sarah Tuemmler didn’t recognize anybody.

But that wasn’t just because she was picking up a racquet for the first time in four years — she didn’t go to school with any of the girls she would soon play with.

“When I first got to tryouts, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Tuemmler, a Highland Christian student who plays for M-PHS. “I didn’t know if I’d make varsity or JV, or how good I was.”

Any uncertainty about Tuemmler’s ability was quickly gone, however, as she became the No. 1 singles player and recently earned a trip to the District Tournament.

“I’m really excited,” Tuemmler said. “I can’t wait to get out there and see how well I can do.”

Tuemmler isn’t just succeeding on the tennis court, either.

“She’s made friends quickly and adjusted to the level of play really well,” said M-P coach Nathan McClellan.

The evidence of her assimilation into the tennis team was evident as a handful of her teammates were on hand to cheer her on as she defeated Oak Harbor’s Cady O’Dell 6-0, 6-5 and better her seeding for districts, which are May 19 at Jackson. She came back from being down 5-2 in the second set.

McClellan said the addition of Tuemmler to the team has also helped better all of his players.

“I don’t think she’s anywhere close to fulfilling her potential, but now other players are starting to see what it takes to get (to districts) and play against it every day,” he said.