Railroad City News

Farwell- Bucktail is coming off a strong 2025 season that saw the Lady Bucks capture the Mid Penn League title. Now, they will try to defend that crown with a mix of returning experience, athleticism and new talent.

The Lady Bucks do have some big holes to fill after losing a talented senior class. That group included Mid Penn MVP Eva Sockman, along with Mid Penn All-Stars Lola English and McKenna Bissman. Kendall Wagner was also a major contributor in singles play and will be another loss Bucktail must replace.

Despite those departures, Bucktail returns several players who gained valuable varsity experience last season. Lone senior Riley Salizzoni will be counted on to provide leadership for the Lady Bucks, while Kelsie Wagener and Carrie Ditty both saw steady playing time a year ago and will be asked to take on larger roles in 2026.

Olivia Henderson and Kaitlin Paloskey are also expected to move into bigger spots in the lineup after gaining court experience last season. Emma Gentzyel returns to the program as well after previously playing during her freshman year.

Bucktail will also welcome newcomers McKenna Phillips, Kaindence Tennis and junior Rebekah Conway. All three bring athleticism and will look to make an impact as they continue to learn the game.

Bucktail opened the season with a tough 5-0 loss to Wellsboro, but the Lady Bucks will have plenty of chances to bounce back as the season moves forward. Their match at Towanda, originally scheduled for August 27, has been rescheduled and will now be played August 31 at Bucktail.

The Lady Bucks are scheduled to host South Williamsport on September 2 before traveling to Muncy on September 8. Bucktail will then return home to face North Penn-Liberty on September 9 before going back on the road September 11 at Wellsboro.

The schedule continues with road matches at Montgomery on September 15, South Williamsport on September 22 and Jersey Shore on September 24. Bucktail will also host Muncy on September 17 and Montgomery on September 28 before closing the regular season October 1 at Central Mountain.

Overall, the Lady Bucks enter the season as an athletic and hardworking group with room to grow. The lineup may look different from last year’s championship team, but the goal remains the same for the Bucktail tennis program: work hard, learn the game and let success follow.