It was another standout year for the FHHS tennis squad with the Falcons sending nine athletes to the individual state tournament and the boys taking second place overall.

Both the boys and girls tennis teams became well acquainted with victory in 2013 with both teams putting together strong enough seasons to earn the title of sectional champions.

Both teams went on to the state tournament with the girls exiting in a tough first round and the boys taking second place.

In individual play, the girls doubles team of Haley Braun and Jena Serrano, as well as singles player Jenny Fisher, made it to the quarterfinals.

The boys doubles team of Tim Schlum and Matt Seiwert made it to the third round of state competition with singles player Matt Fisher taking third.

Both the boys and girls doubles state teams were also named the best duos in Division III Section I, an honor voted on by league coaches.

Overall, the girls wrapped the season at 8-3 in sectional play and 13-6 all told. The boys were 12-4 in section play and 19-8 overall.

With so many big finishes and honors gathered over the past few months, coaches Jean Serrano and Larry Schmit had plenty of moments to choose from when asked to pinpoint some highlights.

“For the girls’ season, it was beating Phoenix Country Day 5-4,” said Serrano.

“They were our perennial competition. This was a big accomplishment, as we were down several starters that day.”

Over to the boys and Schmit said that there were several moments that really stood out, including taking second place at the Gene Autry Tournament, which featured mostly 4A and 5A schools, as well as Matt Fisher and Dominick Cocciola beating the newly- crowned doubles champions from Thatcher to move the team on to the state finals, which eventually helped lead to those runner-up honors.

The coaches said that a couple of athletes stepped up and helped lead the teams this year, including Matt Fisher, who “kept things light and fun,” and Dominick Cocciola, who “showed leadership and motivated the team at the beginning of all practices.”

Over to the girls and Kaitlyn Abramczyk and Tana Dooley kept everyone focused on their purpose and goals.

When asked what the team did especially well this season, Serrano said the Falcons became a strong team and did a solid job of focusing on their objectives.

“Teammates were willing to help each other learn new serves, slices and moves to become a better, more competitive player,” Serrano said.

“They were always encouraging each other.”

Fisher and Cocciola are this year’s seniors for the boys with Dooley, Kaitlyn Abramczyk and Nava Sadeghi graduating from the girls’ roster. Serrano and Schmit wish all of their seniors good luck in their future endeavors.

As for the underclassmen, they said that “hard work” is on the agenda in 2014.

“Coming so close to achieving the state title has put the drive back into the picture,” Serrano said.

“Matt Fisher will leave a big hole to be filled. We lose two boys and three girls, but we will be working to achieve number one in our section again and working towards the state title again.”

With so many returners and starters coming back next season, however, the coaches agree that the Falcons should once again be tough competitors next spring.

“Thanks to the community for supporting our team on and off the court,” Serrano added.

“Thanks to the parents and families that came to cheer the team on and the tax credit donations that will allow us to buy new team uniforms.”