With 14 returning players off last season’s squad and five newcomers in the mix, the East Union girls tennis team is showing signs that the program is headed in the right direction under second-year head coach Julia Bylow.

East Union got the new season off to a rousing start Tuesday at home with a 13-2 win over Lathrop.

No. 1 Megan McCleary led the way for EU with a 6-2 win over Shawna Hinson, a 6-0 win over Michaela Pauley and a 6-1 win over Jazlyn Simon.

Shanae Haroldson (No. 2) fell to Pauley 4-6, and picked up wins over Simon (6-0) and Hinson (ff), while No. 3 Olivia Tanguileg beat Simon (6-3) and Pauley (7-5) before falling to Hinson, 2-6.

“I was really proud of Olivia,” Bylow said. “She’s stepped (into the starting lineup) and she’s playing well. She’s really improved over the summer.”

No. 1 doubles duo Klasey Kachalkin and Shalane Jackson picked up right where the left off a year ago with a pair of 10-0 wins over Lathrop’s Melinda Pauley and Yaneli Perec, and Chanel Johnson and Hargun Oberai.

East Union’s No. 2 tandem Ciara Jones and Kimberly Paulson swept, 10-3, 10-0.

“It was a great opener for us, and it built some excitement,” Bylow said. “We showed complete improvement from last season.  We had a lot of fun.”

Bylow was impressed with Lathrop’s team, which boasts big numbers as well.

“They’ve got a great group of kids,” she said.

Lathrop head coach Dolores Baluyut was pleased wither her young squad, particularly No. 2 Michaela Pauley, who picked up one of two Spartan victories.

“Michaela performed really well,” Baluyut said. “She’s really improved a lot, and I’m happy with her. It was a long match, but we battled it out.”

Lathrop (0-1 VOL) heads to Oakdale today before hosting Central Valley Thursday.

East Union (1-0 VOL) hosts Weston Ranch today before heading to Oakdale Thursday.