Boys’ tennis started off strong this season with a 3-0 victory over Magruder in their first match on March 23. Since that match, they defeated Paint Branch 7-0 and Kennedy 5-0, but lost to Wootton 7-0 and Churchill 6-1. The team’s record is 3-2.
Head coach Mitchell Duque is pleased with the team’s effort this season, which resulted in a better start than last season.
“I like the resolve of the singles players to keep fighting through the match, regardless of whether it is going well or not,” Duque said.
The players are working towards going back into division 1 next season, which is fueling their drive and motivation in the last few matches.
In addition to effort, team chemistry is another factor that is driving the team’s early success. Junior Ian Greenwood notes that the doubles teams have play very well together, including him and his partner.
“I work well with my doubles partner Eric,” Greenwood said. “Everyone seems to be doing pretty well together.”
Even though the doubles players are meshing well with their partners, Duque believes that they need to be more aggressive with their net play.
“I would like the doubles teams to improve their comfort level at the net so they are able to take advantage of opportunities during the matches,” Duque said.
Additionally, Duque wants the doubles players to become more comfortable playing doubles, as many of them are used to playing singles.
One of the biggest changes from last season to to this season is the many new players that joined. This year, half of the team is made up of freshmen and many of them are in starting roles. Freshman David Gardner is among the new additions to the team this year, and believes that the new players are significantly helping the team.
“They are really helping bring new talent into the team and setting the standards a lot higher for the other players,” Gardner said.
The Wildcats’ next match is at home on Friday, April 13 at 3:30 p.m. against BCC.
