The St. Dominic men’s tennis team is hard at work this season, rain or shine. Coach Noah Duncan has not wavered in his varsity line up, and it has been paying off. With a 5-2 overall record, and 3-0 for conference matches, the tennis team is just heating up in preparation to take on the AAA Conference Championships.

The Crusaders kicked off their season with an 8-1 victory over the Duchesne Pioneers. Freshman Tim Blechle also took home his first singles and doubles wins. As the only freshman in the varsity line up, he has gone 4 for 7 singles matches played.

“I really enjoy the challenge and really appreciate the strategy tips that the older players share with me. This experience has given me motivation to seek out more ways to improve myself as an athlete,” said Blechle.

Aside from falling short to both Helias and Fort Zumwalt South, the Crusaders have demolished their recent competition. The boys defeated Holt 6-3, with another 8-1 victory the following day over Fort Zumwalt West.

On April 4, the tennis team swept St. Mary’s 9-0 on our home courts. Out of the 75 games played against the Dragons, the Crusaders went 72 for 75. The singles teams were undefeated, winning all 48 games played.

“One of our main goals this season is to win conference, and the guys have been especially determined in every conference match we’ve had so far,” said Coach Duncan.

With the recent sweep over St. Mary’s, SDHS tennis faced tough competition in the Holt Tournament on April 7 and 8. The Crusaders were victorious over Liberty and Hannibal, while falling short to Ladue-Horton Watkins and Marquette; they finished fifth out of sixteen teams in the tournament.

The boys will take on the AAA Conference Championships on April 22. Crusaders, come support the boys at the tennis team’s next home match on Tuesday, April 25 vs. Lutheran St. Charles.