The boys tennis team came into the season with high expectations after winning the sectional title last year.

The team’s record is currently 3-6 after beating Kokomo (4-1),

Twin Lakes (3-2), McCutcheon (5-0), and Triton Central (5-0). The Berries placed third at the Logan Invite and fifth at the Crown Point Invite. 

“This year is a lot different from last year,” junior Connor Penz said, “Coming off a sectional title, it’s difficult to maintain that high level of play with such a young team this season. We only have three athletes returned with varsity experience, which means we have four players who are in their first year playing varsity.”

As the team begins to reach the peak of their season, they begin to prepare for their NCC and sectional match-ups. The NCC Tournament is set to begin at 10:00 am on September 17. 

“To get ready for big tournaments such as the NCC and sectionals, we just keep practicing hard and pushing each other every time we play in a match or during practice,” Penz said,” Even though we lost a lot, we still believed we have a shot at winning sectionals again if everyone plays to their full potential. Overall, we want to finish the season well, but we also know with the experience we are gaining this year, next year will be a huge year for us.”

The first sectional match is scheduled for September 28 at Logansport High School.

“Our sectional this year will be different due to Lewis Cass being temporarily moved to the Peru sectional,” head coach Adam Thompson said, “They were probably the best team this year. Twin Lakes is the biggest challenge for us now. Winning two in a row would be nice.”