The FC tennis team started their new league season off by traveling to Firebaugh, where they defeated the Firebaugh Eagles, 5-4, March 22.

In their first home match, the Eagles hosted the Caruthers Raiders, March 27. Although the team fought hard to win, the Raiders walked away with a close victory, 5-4.

The Eagles will next travel to Fowler to play the Redcats for their third league match, March 29, and will host Riverdale, April 10, and Firebaugh, April 12.

The Eagles are led by returning head coach Robert Foshee who also helped coach the varsity football team in the fall.

Senior Brady Lee has played No. 1 singles for the past three years continues to provide leadership to the team. Seniors Jonathan Passmore and Jacob Williams also use their past court experience to guide the younger members of the team.

The varsity team also sports junior Kristen Rosenthal who plays No. 4 singles on a nine-member squad due to the cancelation of the fall girls’ schedule.

The Eagles began their season late due to an extended varsity basketball season which prevented players from practicing and playing matches in the early spring. Despite this obstacle, FC beat Firebaugh, to win their first match of the season.

During practice, the Eagles are practicing how to execute in pressure-filled situations. For example, Coach Foshee is putting more weight on the game. A lost match in practice may result in 20 push-ups or a Wendy’s Frosty for the winner.

For more information on tennis, read the March 27 sport shorts, Boys’ tennis sport shorts: FC loses close match to Caruthers.