However, according to Mustang head coach Matt Sowers, returning to that level will be a challenge. Mason is a little less experienced this season, and has eight juniors on the squad.
Two of those juniors that Sowers is looking to as team leaders are Sam Waters and Jay Rodock. Big things are also expected out of freshman Tommy Weber.
“He’s shown a lot of heart and determination,” said Sowers during a recent phone conversation. “He has an all-around, complete game.”
So far, so good for the Mason boys as they dominated Hayfield 8-1 on Friday to open the season. Waters, Weber, Daniel Fletcher, Jonathan Babington and Santiago Villalon all earned singles victories; and the three doubles teams were all victorious.
Despite the fast start, Sowers is keeping expectations to return to the state finals in check as his team continues to grow.
“Our lack of experience will play a key factor in tight matches,” he said.
Over on the girls side, the team had a scrimmage against Hayfield last week. The Mustangs won 6-3, despite little practice time because of the weather. No. 2 singles Claire Sedmak won 8-4, No. 3 Alexa Schaefer 8-1, No. 5 Jessica Lim 8-2 and No. 6 Sarah Rodock 9-7. The squad also won two out of three doubles matches.
The Mason girls are seeking their fifth consecutive district title.
The girls are at Yorktown on Monday at 4 p.m. The boys host Yorktown at the same time.
