The Emmaus boys tennis team began the 2022 campaign with two primary goals - leave it all on the court and show respect for teammates and opponents alike.

“My expectation is for the boys to compete hard in every match and practice,” coach Fred Saab said. “That they build also camaraderie amongst each other and are respectful of their opponents, spectators, coaches and officials.”

There is another expectation of course - win matches. Through seven battles the Hornets own a 5-2 record.

No. 1 singles player Eddy Chow has started with a 4-3 mark. The junior’s play and his stature are important to Emmaus.

“With strong leaders having graduated, it is imperative that Eddy Chow step up as the leader of the team,” Saab said. “As the number one singles player, he sets the tone on and off the court for the other players to follow.”

Nick Stone, the team’s No. 2 singles player, is enthusiastic about the sport and does not quit. Stone’s perseverance forged a 7-6, 4-6, 7-5 win over Whitehall’s Anthony Barczynski on March 25.

“Nick Stone is an up-and-coming player to watch,” the coach said.

No. 3 Nick Gilboy has a 5-2 mark and is at his best when he works the baseline.

No. 2 doubles Rohan Desai and Ben Fletcher have played above average tennis with a 3-2 record. Desai, a veteran, and Fletcher, a sophomore, hustled to earn a spot in the starting lineup. No. 3 doubles Gabe Huff and Ryan Bing have won three of their four matches.

Another success story has been the play of No. 4 doubles Zach Moser and Quinn Durkin, who have emerged victorious in three of their five matches. Moser is athletic and tall, using his height to his advantage at the net. Durkin displays solid ground strokes and is eager to learn and improve.

Two freshmen - Ayden Kegley and Caleb Brashear - comprise an alternate doubles team. Both are enthusiastic to practice, play and improve, Saab said.