Spring Sports Preview: Boys Tennis

Ved Patel, who won doubles matches with two different partners last year, reaches high with the racket to serve the ball.

BY MICHELLE LAM

The boys tennis team heads into the new season after finishing last year 10-7. With last year’s first and third singles returning as seniors and the addition of new teammates, the team aims to dominate the season.

Players expect a season focused on teamwork and development. “I’m expecting a team-focused environment where I’m pushed to improve throughout the season and contribute on and off the court,” said senior Tristan Vendel, who won six third singles matches last year.

Returning players will play an important role in leading the team this season after four seniors graduated last year. “We had around 4 seniors who graduated last year, who all played a big role in our varsity team,” said senior Elijah Cabalan, who earned eight first singles wins last year. “But we also had a lot of juniors now seniors, including me, who played a big role as well,”

Throughout the offseason, players spent time practicing and training to prepare for the start of the season. “I’ve been practicing with my teammates when possible and lifting weights,” said Vendel.

Players on the team have set goals to improve their performance and help the team win more games. “My goals for this season is to keep working hard and to become a better player than before,” said Cabalan. “I also want to help motivate my teammates more and win more games,”

Devyn Schroeder, who went 13-3 last year as a doubles players, reaches up to return the ball with a forehand shot.

The team’s upperclassmen look forward to competing this season and making the most of their experience. “[ I look forward to] having fun with my friends, competing, and hopefully winning. Just trying to end off my last year strong,” said senior Shourya Sheth.

For seniors on the team, this season will mark their final year playing with the program. “It’s my last year to play with the program and my coaches that guided me through these years. It was a fun run and I’ll miss it!” said Sheth.

The team’s first match of the season will take place on March 20 against Matawan at 2:30pm at the Old Bridge Municipal Complex.

Tristan Vendel tracks the ball all of the way to his racket.
Elijah Cabalan follows through after backhand shot.
Ved Patel follwos through after leaping to return the ball.
Tristan Vendel, who earned six wins as third single, follows through after a forehand shot.