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Preparing to serve the ball, junior Srikar Turaga holds his racket.

The boys tennis team defeated Shawnee Mission Northwest in a dual that took place at the school Wednesday, April 10.

Going into his doubles match, senior Jacob Hoffman was unsure about playing a tough competitor.

“I felt excited for the doubles but a little bit nervous just because [my opponent] was so good,” Hoffman said.

Despite his worries, Hoffman won his double match and felt good about how he and his partner played.

“My doubles match actually went really well,” Hoffman said. “We were up against a tough competitor. I lost to them last year so I was excited to play them again. I was happy that we both won.”

Hoffman played his doubles match alongside freshman Gage Foltz who had prepared a strategy prior to the match.

“I just wanted to fight for every ball, that’s usually what I do,” Foltz said. “I try to go out and just play as best as I can.”

The team was also faced with a challenge: a lot of their players were absent due to band. Hoffman and Foltz don’t usually play doubles together and the lineup was switched around. However, the duo was able to persevere together through this challenge.

“Gage and I aren’t normally doubles partners but we had to play together today,” Hoffman said. “[We] just had to work on communicating with each other to get the job done.”

Being a freshman, Foltz was nervous going into the season but has found his place among the team.

“I was nervous at first not knowing anyone on the team but it ended up being alright,” Foltz said. “All the guys on the team have been really welcoming.”

Hoffman is excited to see what the rest of the season has in store for him.

“I’m looking forward to how my doubles season will play out,” Hoffman said. “I’m also looking forward to postseason and hopefully going to state.”