When Abby Stainback started playing doubles with a new partner this season, it didn't take long for the Highland Park junior to get comfortable.

"Maybe a day or two," she said, "and then it's like, 'I got it.' "

Stainback is used to it. As a freshman, she won the Class 4A state doubles title with Taylor Schreimann. Last year, she won it with Natalie Leitch. And this week, she and Kellye McDade are favorites to win.

McDade is a senior, so Stainback will have another new partner next year. But that probably won't change the results.

"There are so many good girls here," Stainback said. "Any of us could go to state."

It shows in this year's girls doubles bracket, which also includes the Highland Park team of Kristin Adams and Kristin Mee. The school is trying for its sixth straight girls doubles title.

Highland Park coach Dan Holden said McDade and Stainback, who are undefeated, are an excellent pairing.

"They're both good athletes, both have good doubles skills and are good at the baseline and at the net," Holden said. "They're really alike."

They're similar in tennis ability and in personality. The friends don't get frustrated often, and they never yell at each other on the court. In fact, it's very much the opposite.

"We both laugh a lot," Stainback said.

"We're not too serious," added McDade.

Except about winning, of course. And they've got a great chance to do that.

"They really don't have any weaknesses," Holden said. "They're definitely the favorites."

Today: quarterfinals, semifinals

Tuesday: finals

4A and 5A

Penick-Allison Courts at UT-Austin

1A-3A

World of Tennis Sports Complex at Lakeway