Free State senior Rachel Walters hits a volley during her number two doubles match against Mill Valley, Thursday afternoon at FSHS.

Free State High girls tennis coach Keith Pipkin saw Thursday’s dual against Mill Valley as an opportunity to switch up parts of the varsity lineup.

It didn’t bother the Firebirds, who earned a 9-0 victory over the Jaguars at FSHS.

Senior Caitlin Dodd and sophomore Ali Dodd won in No. 1 and No. 2 singles, respectively, while combining for an 8-4 victory at No. 1 doubles. Senior Rachel Walters, and freshmen Kate Piper, Kalia Fowler and Gabriella Gorman also added victories in singles.

“It’s pretty much the middle part of the season,” Pipkin said. “This is pretty much the time when I’ve got to have my lineup set for the rest of the year because I need them for the majority of the matches. I changed some things up.

“I was thinking about changing some people around. Everyone won, so, honestly, it just makes it harder because everyone did good.”

The Dodd sisters, who earned a trip to the state tournament last year, have opened this season with an 11-1 record in doubles. They improved on their play at the net throughout the offseason and can cover a lot of ground on the court. Their play has also set an example for their teammates.

“The Dodd sisters have pretty good leadership, especially Caitlin,” Pipkin said. “She’s the senior. She pushes everyone, because they all know they all have to compete with her. She’s pretty much setting the benchmark.”

Despite playing mostly doubles this season, the Dodd sisters shined in their singles matches Thursday, showing their versatility on the court.

“It’s definitely different, because you’re kind of by yourself, and you have to pump yourself up,” Ali Dodd said. “You just have to be ready for everything to cover the whole court. I like playing both, personally. But I feel like doubles is more of a team thing, and it’s fun having my sister there with me.”

Walters combined with junior Carter Stacey for a victory at No. 2 doubles, and junior Andrea Chen teamed with senior Dalma Olvera for a win at No. 3 doubles.

The freshman Fowler, who won at No. 5 singles, didn’t show any nerves in her first varsity matches.

“I served better today than I have been,” said Fowler, who said she needs to improve upon her consistency and not letting her opponents force her into tough shots.

Pipkin added of the three freshmen playing in the top six singles spots: “I think the freshman class coming in and really making an impact is pushing everyone who was already here. … The freshmen, they are just competing. They are making it happen.”

The Firebirds will play in the St. Thomas Aquinas Invitational at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Free State 9, Mill Valley 0

No. 1 singles — Caitlin Dodd, FS, def. Lauren Tracht, MV, 8-1.

No. 2 singles — Ali Dodd, FS, def. Paige Wiebe, MV, 8-3.

No. 3 singles — Kate Piper, FS, def. Katie Burke, MV, 8-0.

No. 4 singles — Rachel Walters, FS, def. Sally Carey, MV, 8-2.

No. 5 singles — Kalia Fowler, FS, def. Alea Ashford, MV, 8-4.

No. 6 singles — Gabriella Gorman, FS, def. Shelby Hudson, MV, 8-3.

No. 1 doubles — Dodd-Dodd, FS, def. Wiebe-Burke, MV, 8-4.

No. 2 doubles — Walters-Carter Stacey, FS, def. Ashford-Hudson, MV, 8-3.

No. 3 doubles — Andrea Chen-Dalma Olvera, FS, def. Tracht-Carey, MV, 8-3.