The Hazen tennis team’s record may be even midway through the season, but with a cache of young talent there’s reason enough to hope for escalating performance in the second half.

“I’ve felt like we’re in it with everybody we’ve played so far,” said Hazen coach Gail Ellis. “It’s just the experience thing. They need to get some matches under their belts before they can step up to what they’re capable of.”

Tommy Truong is Hazen’s top boys singles player. He is 3-3 on the year so far.

Gary Kono shot up from the “C” team his freshman and sophomore years to take the boys singles No. 2 spot this season. He is 1-1.

Colin Jones and Jack Li will form the Highlanders’ boys doubles team most matches.

Kristal Kozai will play at the girls No. 1 singles spot most matches. Senior Julie Vaisarova, Becca Wong, Erin Zell and Haley Strandberg will also play in the top-two singles spots at times for the Highlanders this season.

Kozai, Zell and Strandberg are all freshmen.

A rotation of the above players and Natalie Goode will form the Hazen girls doubles teams.

For mixed doubles, Corbin Kozai and Strandberg are Hazen’s top option. The duo is 4-0 on the season.

“First we want to see improvement and see that we’re getting better,” Ellis said. “Then hopefully that will translate into wins. Then hopefully that will translate into being more successful when we get to league, and getting kids to districts.”