The Emmaus boys tennis program’s 2022 season officially ended last week when the Hornets’ two doubles teams were dismissed in the District 11 Class 3A Doubles tournament.

Eddy Chow and Nick Stone were in control in winning their first round match over Nazareth’s Sai Pu-lavarthy and Alay Patel 6-3, 6-3. The duo’s quarterfinal match against Southern Lehigh’s Spencer Goodman and Harrison Clark showed their determination. After losing the first set 2-6, Chow and Stone stormed back, serving and volleying with everything they had to stave off elimination and it worked. The two Hornets carved out a 7-6 (7-5) win setting up the third and deciding set.

But that’s when Chow and Stone hit the wall as the Goodman-Clark partnership featuring well-coordinated net and baseline play took over, winning the final set, 6-2.

The Hornets’ other doubles entry - Nic Gilboy and Gabe Huff - were knocked out in the first round by Goodman-Clark, 6-0, 6-4.

The losses could not overshadow another fine season under coach Fred Saab. Emmaus finished the season 12-5 overall, and 11-3 in the EPC. At the forefront of the squad’s development was Chow, a junior with a tenacious tennis game. In the No. 1 single spot this year, Chow had ups and downs, but overall was an improved tennis player. His play should give Hornet fans reasons for optimism heading into 2023.

Gilboy, a senior, alternated between No. 2 and No. 3 singles throughout the season, providing Emmaus with a consistent lineup presence. Stone may have been the team’s biggest surprise in 2022. The freshman was mostly solid in the No. 2 spot and provided the team with a lift.

Ryan Baig and Huff, Rohan Desai and Ayden Kegley, along with Quinn Durkin, Caleb Brashear and Ben Fletcher all contributed through doubles play winning most of their matches.