After ending last year’s season on a high note, the underclassmen-heavy boys tennis team hopes to repeat as county and state doubles champions.

The team consists of 10 new players as former key players Pavan Sethi and Felix Sun graduated.

“That is high school tennis,” coach Benjamin Woods said. “It created opportunities for someone else and it gives them the chance to be great contributors. It lets someone step up in leadership and earn more playing time. I don’t look at it as a loss, but a new beginning.”

Some may view the lack of senior experience as a disadvantage, but strong leadership from returning players like seniors Jason Teitelbaum, Adam Draiman and junior Kevin Chu will help guide the new players to a winning season.

“Our major weakness would obviously be our lack of experience since we only have six returning players,” Chu said. “However, everyone is coachable, always looking for ways to improve their game and always grateful when they receive tips.”

The Bulldogs suffered one of their only losses last season to Whitman who will continue to be among the Bulldogs’ primary challengers along with Wootton and Bullis.

“Every team is really an obstacle,” Draiman said. “However, Wootton and Whitman are always tough matches every year.”

The Bulldogs will play their first match against Damascus, March 22, where they hope to begin the season on a strong note.

“With strong leadership from our returning players and our new players continuing to work hard we should mold together as a team, so that we will be ready when it comes time for our first match,” Draiman said.