The high school tennis team recently wrapped up yet another successful season, sending nine athletes to take part in the individuals portion of the state tournament and both the boys and girls teams into the postseason.

Representing the Falcons in the individuals competition, consisting of matches that included solo and doubles competitions, were Tim Schlum, Jenny Fisher, Jena Serrano, Reid Sanchez, Ethan Green, Matt Seiwert, Taylor James, Lauren Nazarro and Meagan Coveney.

Schlum made it as far as the third round playing solo while doubles partners Serrano and Fisher took fourth place overall. Both the boys and girls teams exited the state tournament after tough first-round outings.

All told, the boys ended the season at 7-11 with a section record of 6-6. The girls wrapped up 2014 at 12-8 overall, 10-4 in section play.

Along the way, several Falcons managed to claim some nice awards and honors. Tim Schlum, for instance, took second place in the singles tournament hosted out of Miami. He was also voted the number one singles section player of the year while he and doubles partner, Matt Siewert, were voted the number one doubles section players of the year. Coach Larry Schmit was also selected as the section coach of the year.

Over to the girls, Kate Domin took fourth place at the Miami tournament while Jenny Fisher was named the number one singles player in her section.

Jena Serrano and Jenny Fisher were also voted the top doubles team in their section with coach Jean Serrano named the section coach of the year.

“This season was a roller coaster ride with different things changing direction constantly,” explained Coach Serrano.

“It was a weekly challenge to field a boys’ team due to academic field trips, sickness, eligibility and injury. The girls’ team faced the same problems. However, the girls had a bigger bench and always had someone who could step in and play.”

While Serrano and Schmit pegged Schlum and Domin’s performances at the Miami tournament as highlights from the season, they agreed that the “gutsiest performance” was turned in by Jenny Fisher, competing in her final three matches of the season with a sprained ankle.

Domin said she felt like she owed it to her doubles partner to play, and then she and Jena Serano went on to take fourth place at state after besting Estrella Foothills, who beat the Falcons in regular season play.

Serrano said she and Schmit had a couple of standout athletes to fall back on, too.

“The leadership of captains Haley Braun and Tim Schlum throughout the season carried the teams through some unusually trying times,” Serrano explained.

“The positive, upbeat attitude of senior Jacob Strayer carried over to the entire team and helped to keep everyone in a positive mode.”

Serrano and Schmit agreed that both the girls and boys squads bonded well this season, too.

“They learned that they could count on each other to do their part to win their match and earn the team a win,” Schmit said.

“One other thing that the team did extremely well, in spite of all the new players, was that they learned the rules and didn’t hesitate to call the other teams on fast serves, incorrect procedures and procedural challenges.”

The Falcons will bid farewell to two seniors this season, including Haley Braun and Jacob Strayer. Braun was a four-year player and three-year starter. She was also selected as the number one section doubles player of 2013.

The 2014 season was Strayer’s first year with the team, but the coaches agree he was infectious with his love of the game.

“He was always ready to try a new technique or skill and his enthusiasm carried over to the entire team,” Schmit added.

“We wish both of them good luck in their future college endeavors.”

As for next season, Serrano said that the Falcons expect to become an even more competitive force.

“We’ll be working on state for both teams,” Serrano said.

“The boys have three returning players from our runner-up team from last year and our two new freshmen are advancing quickly. The girls are doing well, and as long as they continue to practice in the off season as planned, we’re definitely looking forward to state competition.”