-David Singer
The Rye High School Varsity tennis team has gotten off to a solid 1-1 start, playing strong tennis against stiff new competition in a higher league.
After last year’s 13-2 performance, Rye was moved up to a higher level, where they now compete against the likes of tennis-powerhouses Horace Greeley, Scarsdale, Edgemont, Byram Hills, and Mamaroneck.
“We have a great cohesive group, many of whom have been on the team for three to four years,” said Coach Susan Dickson. “There are eight seniors and they have been great contributors over the years and are great role models for younger players. We have a smaller number of juniors and sophomores and an infusion of young talent coming up the pike.”
On April 4, the team defeated Horace Greeley, thanks to efforts of first singles Henry Groves and all four doubles teams.
Then on April 8, they lost a tight match to defending section champions Scarsdale. It was a tough fight, and the match hinged on the results of the final two doubles matches, which Scarsdale won.
Two-year starter sophomore Luke Gordon has lofty expectations for the team this season. “We’ve got a good thing going this year,” he said. “We’ve got an amazing group of guys. We are all completely committed to the team, everyone on the team.”
He added that he believes the team has a strong chance of winning a championship this year.
