For one of the last home matches of the season, the boys’ tennis team went up against their rival, Hollidaysburg, on April 28 at 3:30 p.m at the Mansion Park tennis courts.  After finishing all five matches, the boys were defeated by Hollidaysburg as the final score was 0-5 making their season record 8-8.  

After previously losing to Hollidaysburg earlier in the season, head coach Jake Colledge prepared his team to face their rivals once again.

“It isn’t so much needing to do anything differently.  We had chances to win in some of those matches as well as we were down a starter and still managed to be very competitive at two doubles.  Capitalizing on opportunities will be key,” Colledge said.

Senior Alijah Kilmartin predicted a win before the matches. 

“I feel that we can find a way to get the win this time,” Kilmartin said. “We are a better team at this point in the season and are better prepared to beat them the second time around.”

The win at the  Central Mountain Invitational tournament helped get the team this far in the season. 

“It was a very tough tournament as we had to play three matches in one day, but winning it as a team was awesome. My favorite highlight of the season is when me and my partner Brady Sassano won our first match of the season against Indiana as it was a very difficult match as we lost the first set but battled back and won the match,” junior Nick Hogan said.

Getting ready for his match, junior Kadyn Carey hoped the time he has dedicated to tennis will pay off against Hollidaysburg.  

“My hard work and dedication is very noticeable in my eyes due to how I can notice my serves and my forehand getting much better than last year,” Carey said.  “I feel pleased, but I know I need to continue to work hard.”

With the team starting out with a brand new coach, they have been able to come together and practice during the on and off season to ensure they are ready for some of their biggest matches.

“There is always pressure when facing a big rival, but I think we have enough experience to keep under control and perform our best, freshman Luke Mitchell said.  

During the match, Hogan, and his doubles partner, Kilmartin, used their abilities to serve, volley and hit the ball back and forth to their opponents.  For Hogan, he feels a main strength of his when it comes to hitting is being able to put power on the shot.

“I think my skill set has improved greatly as I can hit the ball harder and more accurately.  My serve has also improved.  They helped me a lot because in our first match I wasn’t as polished of a player as I am now,” Hogan said. “I loved playing Hollidaysburg and I think I play even better against them because I can’t stand the fact of losing to them.”

Although the team lost against their rival, this match helped the team to get ready for the upcoming doubles and team Districts matches, which will take place on May 3, 4, 9 and 11. 

“This match will allow us another opportunity to play a quality opponent which will prepare us for the Districts as anything can happen in playoffs,” College said.