On Wednesday September 13, 2023, the Lincoln East Boys Varsity Tennis team won their dual against Lincoln High at Woods Tennis Center. Although the win was exciting, it is not surprising, as the East team has been competing at state for years. The matches were played on two courts. Play was very dynamic for the number one doubles team; when Caden Haar served, his double partner Samarth Sajeesh moved past the half court line to be closer to the net and return the ball when the LHS player hit it back. Whenever they scored a point Samarth and Haar would move in high five each other and then go back to their positions.

Haar, a junior, who has gone to state for doubles consistently since his freshman year, is partnered with sophomore Sajeesh. The team feels good about winning state again, though for Haar it is rough to start a new season with a new doubles partner. The goal of both upperclassmen tennis players is to play collegiate tennis after they graduate.

“Tennis is a sport where you always kinda have to be on your A game,” Haar said. “If you are on your B game, and somebody who you always beat is on their A game, the person on their A game could always beat you so you kinda always have to stay on your toes.”

For Sajeesh it’s fun to play and win with the team but he also enjoys the friends he forms with other players off the court. Sajeesh attributed East’s success to their team chemistry.

“I think we have some awesome players here, and overall we have great team atmosphere and great team chemistry.”

FINAL SCORES
Singles:
Hunter Nelson 8-0
Joe Bucknell 8-1
Simon Johnson 8-0
Alex Chan 8-2
Brad Bobaru 8-0
Shrey Argawal 8-0
Michael Kang 8-0
Subbu Kundoor 8-0

Doubles:
Samarth Sajeesh / Caden Haar 8-1
Yakub Islamov / Kayden Le 8-0
Shrey Argwal / Alex Chan 8-1
Subbu Kundoor / Michael Kang 8-1