It’s trial by fire for the Liberty tennis team.

The Patriots started the 2010 season against teams like Newport and Mercer Island, the toughest the KingCo has to offer.

Even though the Patriots lost, Liberty coach Mike Salokas likes the way it sets up his team for the rest of the season.

“If we were to play them last, I don’t know what that would do to our spirit and moral,” Salokas said. “What it does is set a high benchmark for us. Then as we get into the middle of our schedule, the kids are better prepared.”

Liberty hasn’t done well record-wise so far, but the team is becoming more and more competitive as the season wears on.

“We are definitely improving,” Salokas said. “That’s what inspires me and keeps me going.”

Junior Amber Eastham leads the Patriots from the No. 1 singles spot, where she also played last year as a sophomore.

Eastham, who stands nearly 6 feet tall, has had a tough road playing against competitors’ top players since she was a freshman.

“Her physical presence on the court has always been there,” Salokas said. “The mental part of her game is also starting to mature and that’s pretty neat. I put her in the buzz saw as a freshman and she survived. It’s made her better and stronger. I think some very good things are in her future.”

Other singles players for the Patriots are Alison Martin, Emmie Kellogg Smith and Jaime Hitchcock.

Veronica Granger and Kristy Braunston form Liberty’s top doubles team and Salokas is excited to watch them learn.

“This is a project of mine and it stokes me,” Salokas said. “Watching these guys develop is impressive.”

Granger is a freshman and Braunston is a sophomore, both are first-year players.

Liberty’s numbers are down to 23 from 34 last season, a trend Salokas said he’s noticed around the league. He said the cause might be a combination of rising fees and lacrosse taking a few athletes away from tennis.

The Patriots conclude regular season matches May 6 against Interlake, then move into the KingCo tournament.