LAKEWOOD — Nancy Jensen can breathe a sigh of relief.

With a full coaching staff at her disposal, she can now concentrate on match-ups and how to deal with having four of the top five teams at last year’s state tournament in her district.

But Lakewood is not worried. In fact, the Cougars are in prime position to pounce on the fierce local competition that graduated much of its talent last season.

“We’ve got a good opportunity here this year and a few leaders,” Jensen said.

The Cougars return three individuals and a doubles team from the 2009 district tournament, starting with senior Chantelle VanPelt. Projected as Lakewood’s possible No. 1 singles, VanPelt brings a nice return game to the court.

In stark contrast to VanPelt is junior Jordan Wessell, who has a powerful swing and a solid service. Along with those two singles players is Allie Hernandez.

“Those three are the leaders and really where a lot of our strength comes from,” Jensen said.

Jensen said she is keeping her doubles team of Jamie Stauffer and Darcie Ness together for another year. The tandem will look to improve upon their 2009 postseason appearance.

A strong turnout of approximately 25 girls, including 10 returners and seven freshmen, will help fill in holes where needed, as Jensen prepares to take on some of the top Class 2A talent in the state.

Last season, the Cougars finished in second place in the Cascade Conference, behind state champion South Whidbey. But as a microcosm of the area, the Falcons have a void left from the graduation of three-time state champion Lindsey Newman.

“Our league and district have some of the top talent in the state,” she said. “But a lot of it graduated.”

Both the singles and the doubles champions of the past two years come out of District 1. But all of them have since moved on, leaving opportunities for new names to be etched on trophies.

The Cougars play their first match at home March 15 against Anacortes at 3:45 p.m.