On May 4, the State College Area High School boys varsity tennis team competed in the district playoffs against Mifflin County and won 5-0. Later that week, the team competed in the district championship against Hollidaysburg and won 4-0, also known in tennis as “4-love.”

Led by coach Jane Borden, the State High boys tennis team had seven players compete during districts and the championship match. Team support and a shared passion for the sport played a major role in the team’s success throughout the season and during the postseason.

”We have a captain system that gives support and not just the coordination. As a captain, I did try my best to support all my teammates,” junior Eric Liu said.

Leading up to the championship, the team prepared through daily practices that included match play, conditioning and drills designed to boost strategy, endurance and strength. The preparation paid off as State High continued its strong season with another championship performance.

Liu began playing tennis in elementary school and joined the State High boys tennis team as a freshman. He competed in both the district and championship matches and was leading his match before coaches cleared the courts after the team victory had already been secured. 

Throughout the championship match, Liu found himself locked in a competitive battle with his opponent and had to rely on both his preparation and mental approach to stay focused.

Junior Evan Zhang competed in the championship alongside his teammate Jude Cessna in doubles play. Zhang and Cessna were the first pair to finish their match and secured an important victory for the Little Lions. 

“We wanted straight sets, and I just remember we went to the match feeling pretty confident. I think we’ve beaten Hollidaysburg in the championships for the past two years. So I think we were confident that we could pull it off this year as well. And yeah, we were not too nervous about that, and we played pretty well,” Zhang said. 

An important part of any sports team is boosting morale, and the State High tennis team made that a priority all season long. 

“Before a match, we’d circle up and we put our hands into the center, and then we yell at the top of our lungs, ‘One two three State!’ And I’m usually the person who yells,” Liu said.

The boys tennis season has now come to an end, but the team’s district and championship victories provided a memorable finish. With strong leadership, dedicated players and a supportive team culture, the Little Lions proved themselves as one of the top tennis programs in the area.