Northampton’s boys tennis team’s strong performance against Bethlehem Catholic resulted in a 6-0 shutout of the Golden Hawks on March 19 at Bethlehem Catholic.

“We started off with some tough matches: Central, Emmaus, and Nazareth,” said Northampton tennis coach Daniele Bowman. “Nazareth we lost 4-3. That was a tough one, but the boys have all practiced in the off-season and gotten a lot stronger and better.”

In singles play against Becahi, Joey Tomaro defeated Liam Maloney at No. 1, 6-1, 6-2, Brett Bastian defeated Kendryk Silva at No. 2, 6-0, 6-2, and Michael DiSante defeated Tyler Lennert at No. 3, 6-1, 6-0.

“I targeted [Maloney’s] backhand,” said Tomaro. “He had a single-hand backhand which is hard to do, but I played around his weaknesses, so deep rallies and targeting his backhand won me the game. He definitely challenged me. I think the wind was also a factor. I just wanted to play my own game and not play into anyone else’s game, and win on my terms.”

Max Kochan and Chase Roland, who moved up in the doubles lineup this year from No. 3 to No. 2, defeated Derrick Hartman and Ralston Rowlands, 6-2, 6-1.

“Overall, our serves definitely improved- forehand, backhand,” said Roland. “Our placements have gotten better but still need a little work. We had a few minor errors here and there.”

The doubles pair are doing well in the No. 2 spot.

“I’ve completely changed how I played,” said Kochan. “Last year, I was doing one-hand backhands and this year I’m doing two hands, following through. My forehand’s completely changed for the better. I feel way better than I did last season, even at a higher level. We’ve got high expectations.”

Nick DiSante and Nick Reichel defeated Mauro Reyes and Borja Campos at No. 3 doubles, 6-0, 6-0, and

Bobby Weaver and Matthew Williams defeated Nico Massu and Alvaro Martinez at No.4 doubles, 6-4, 6-2.

“I do have strong doubles teams, and No. 3 doubles comes with experience,” Bowman said. “No. 4 doubles is new to tennis and is 4-1. They lost to Emmaus in a tiebreaker.

“When I was at Emmaus, because of how their courts are set up, I really couldn’t be on the courts because you’re going through gates and fences, and you don’t want to bother the level of play either. It was hard, and some of the boys were like, you didn’t come talk to me, so it’s hard to get around to all the courts whether you’re inside or outside.”

At Bethlehem Catholic, however, Bowman was able to coach her players directly on the tennis court, no longer required to stand behind the chainlink fence that surrounds most high school courts thanks to the new Coaching on the Fly rule, which is being piloted by District XI for the boys tennis season.

“I actually like it,” said Bowman. “When it was first presented, I was a little hesitant, just because I didn’t know how it would be with being on the court, but I actually really like it, especially for my new players because I can give them those quick little tips and they can tweak it right away rather than waiting till the match is over. They do it at the college level, and bringing it down to the high school level is very beneficial. I know some of the coaches are against it, but we work at it, and I enjoy it. I think it’ll be beneficial for the boys...You’re more involved, which I like.”

Bowman’s players are in favor of the new rule as well.

“I think it’s good,” said Tomaro. “I don’t think it poses any problems. Sometimes coaches can get a little too into it, maybe. Other than that, it’s great to have to help your players. It doesn’t have to be through a fence. You can talk to them face-to-face. That’s really nice, so I like it. I think [Coach Bowman] knows that if I’m in my zone, I don’t really need her to talk to me, but she keeps me levelheaded and keeps me doing what I need to be doing.”