The tennis team will play Decatur Oct. 7 for their playoff match after winning the district championship 18-1 Sept. 30 in Gatesville. 

“The kids were ready to play,” tennis coach Kenneth Peiser said in a press release. “They came out playing well. We swept the doubles again. Then we got into the singles matches and there were some close matches, but our players were able to stay calm and move the ball around and win 11 of the 12 singles matches.”

The team played against Harker Heights for a practice match Oct. 3.

“I feel like our matches so far have let me see how I’m going to play in our playoffs but also give me extra practice as well,” senior Leah Phillips said. “The team overall has been doing amazing and pulling through a lot of tie breakers and harder matches which is good for the team.”

Now that district is over, the team will move on to bi-district. If they win, they will advance to area.

“I think we will make it to at least the third round,” junior Elijah Copeland said. “I would like to hopefully make it further. Our team overall has been playing amazing this season.”

Copeland said this season has been full of learning.

“Playing at both the #1 spots, it’s been quite the struggle facing stronger opponents,” Copeland said. “I started off the season not the best, but I’m slowly improving.”

There are currently 8 seniors on the team.

“I feel like since it is my senior year, I’m putting extra stress on myself and not letting myself have as much grace,” Phillips said. “Also, with there being 7 other seniors, it’s a constant thought on how the team will be the following year.”

The team placed 2nd in district in 2024.

“It’s an amazing feeling to get 1st place,” Phillips said. “It gives us that push and motivation to work harder in the playoffs. My goal is to make it to regionals.”