April 9, 2015

Making It Through Challenging Preseason, PHS Boys’ Tennis Primed for Big Spring

Instead of the usual preseason focus on fine-tuning her players’ games and setting a lineup, Sarah Hibbert has faced a different challenge as she has gotten her Princeton High boys’ tennis team ready for the upcoming season.

“The preseason was entertaining due to the weather conditions,” said Hibbert, who took last season off after having a child and was replaced on an interim basis by assistant Christian Herzog.

“We were just trying to find our courts under 6-8 inches of snow. We did do some indoor conditioning. We haven’t gotten to do quite as much as we wanted but once we get more court time, I think we will be fine.”

PHS appears to have found a rising star in freshman Noah Lilienthal, who has earned the first singles spot.

“Noah is a very consistent player,” said Hibbert. “He is a seasoned tournament player. He is mostly a baseliner but has a good all around game.”

The Little Tigers boast two seasoned performers at second and third singles in seniors Rishab Tanga and Tyler Hack, who helped PHS post a 14-3 record in 2014.

“Rishab and Tyler have moved to second and third singles from first and second,” said Hibbert.

“They have looked quite solid in the preseason. They are seniors with four years on the varsity. They know how things go at this point, both had solid seasons last year. I want Rishab and Tyler to go out with a great season.

PHS should be solid at first doubles with a pair of juniors, Andrew Wei and Andrew Lin.

“The two Andrews are at first doubles, they did wind up playing second doubles in the counties last year when another person couldn’t play at the last minute,” said Hibbert, whose team opened the season with a 5-0 win over Trenton last Thursday.

“Andrew Wei played second doubles for the season so he has the most experience. Andrew Lin has the second most experience. They complement each other nicely, they want to play with each other. It is always good when they match up well together and have chemistry. If they play well with each other but don’t enjoy playing with each other, it is not as much fun. If they play well and enjoying being on the court together it is more fun.”

At second doubles, Hibbert is looking at freshman Kevin Yang, sophomore Eric Lin, and senior Dare Lewis. “We are still figuring that out,” said Hibbert, who is confident that whatever pairing emerges will be solid.

With its core of talent, PHS figures to maintain the program’s winning tradition.

“I think a key will just be getting the doubles to settle, find chemistry, and get confidence in the pairings,” said Hibbert, whose team is slated to host Ewing on April 8 before playing at WW/P-S on April 10 and at Hamilton on April 13.

“I think we will have a solid year on singles. There are a lot of good teams out there. We will do as well as we can; we expect to be competitive with the top teams.”