The boys’ tennis team swings into new beginnings

By Cora Beyer
Staff Writer

The mid-March snow has barely melted, but the Red Lion boys’ tennis team is back in full swing with lots of new additions.

The team has grown considerably this season with a total of six new players joining the returning players. 

“We have a pretty young team this year,” senior varsity player Kyle Palmieri said. “We have a lot of new talent, which is good for the team’s progression.”
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A few of the new teammates are playing tennis for the very first time this season. “I’ve never played tennis before, but I was easily talked into it,” new player and junior Dylan Khuc said. “I really enjoy being on the team and learning about the sport.” 

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Another new development this season is the addition of new uniforms for the players and the team is excited for the fresh look. 

“It’s a privilege to get new uniforms, and we were ready for them,” Coach Ryan Small said. “We haven’t had new ones since I’ve been here.” 

“They look good and we will all match now,” Palmieri said. “I think it will add to the professionalism of the team.”

The team will also have new leadership this year as Kyle Palmieri will be stepping up as the new team captain, along with top player and junior Alec Shue. 

A major change has been made in how the matches are played. They have moved from a format of five singles players and two doubles teams to a new format of only three singles players and two doubles teams in varsity.

“It will be a bit different for us to play in this new format,” Palmieri said. “It will require some adjustments on our part, but I think it will be a good change for us.”
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Coach Small is heading into his second year as head coach and is eager to be competitive in the division. So far, his hopes have been validated with the team’s 5-0 victory against Donegal High School. With their current record, the players are looking forward to competing in the county tournament.