This season may be called a rebuilding year, but certainly not a down year, for the Fenwick girls tennis team.

With all four of their state qualifiers from last season graduated, the Friars would assume to be in the process of a transitional year. Not the case. Along with a few returners who were just a match or two away from playing at state last season, Fenwick boasts a group of young but talented newcomers. Julie Comfort is expected to make a significant impact, despite debuting as a sophomore on the varsity level. According to head coach Gerard Sullivan, Comfort possesses natural tennis skills.

“Julie has very sound strokes and plays a smooth game,” said Sullivan. “She has a lot of control for how young she is, and has already proved herself to me and the team in practices. We still need to develop her as best we can, but she’s certainly going to help us in many ways.

“I think she can make it over the waves this year and come back strong next year. We want her to get a taste for the postseason.”

Sullivan added that Comfort may also see time at doubles. “She’s that versatile of a player,” he said. “It’s just a matter of finding the right formula.”

Any words of wisdom Comfort needs she can turn to seniors Chelsea Real, Bridget Mulhern, Katie O’Brien and Sheila Collins. Real and Mulhern were one match from qualifying for state last season in doubles. Real is expected to join junior Rachel Canfora at No. 1 doubles, while Mulhern will pair up with O’Brien at No. 3 doubles. Juniors Colleen Bingle and Kathleen Kelly will take on No. 2 doubles.

Junior Julia Feldman and senior Amanda Krug will trade off at No. 2 singles for the Friars.

“This is the most depth I’ve ever had with a tennis team since I’ve been coaching,” said Sullivan. “We’re not real powerful at the top with having a ranked player or anything, but we have some quality athletes this season. It’s a little bit of a rebuilding year, but with a ton of depth, which makes it fun for a coach.”

Fenwick’s depth has been forced to come in handy early this season. The team already played four of its 10 conference dual meets last week. Winning their first sectional championship since 2003 may be a lofty goal for this season’s Friars, but bettering last year’s fourth place finish in the loaded East Suburban Catholic Conference isn’t out of the question.

“We need to get some experience and go from there,” said Sullivan.

Fenwick travels to the Fremd Invitational on Saturday (8 a.m.).