Boys’ Tennis beat Henry Sibley at home on Friday night, proving their abilities after a tough loss to Shakopee on Thursday.

The win comes at a critical time, reestablishing Eagan’s momentum as the team enters the middle stretch of the season. It also gives them an extra boost of confidence that will come in handy this Saturday, when the Wildcats host a tournament that includes teams from Blake, Mahtomedi, and Elk River.

Although they are only part-way through the season, the boys have shown great promise. Already, their accomplishments are adding up. Eagan took third place at the East Ridge Invite last weekend (where Blake competed as well), and has also defeated Farmington and Apple Valley so far.

Of the team’s only loss, a 6-1 fall to Shakopee, captain Matt Little said, “They’re one of the top teams in the state, so that was pretty difficult.” He also commented on Eagan’s 5-2 victory at the Apple Valley match, sharing that the Wildcats did much better against them this year than last.

Josh Duchene, a senior, stated that one thing the team consistently does a great job of is supporting one another. “Whenever somebody hits a good shot, everybody else is like, ‘Nice shot’,” he explained. He added that to prepare for a competition, the team will typically play several practice matches in order to get used to playing against different opponents.

Duchene and Little both expressed optimism for the end of the season. “Personally, I want to go to State with Anthony Metcalfe, my doubles partner,” Little remarked. He continued, “And for a team goal, I’d like us to be one of the top teams in the South Suburban Conference.” Based on the team’s season so far, those expectations aren’t out of reach at all.