By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Sports Reporter

Having cruised through the non-league portion of their schedule, the Oxford Wildcats boys’ tennis team knew they were in for some tougher tests when they began league play.

Traveling to Lake Orion High School on Wednesday, September 4, the boys left with a 4-4 tie. The Wildcats won three of the four doubles matches, but just one of the four singles matches.

“Lake Orion is always a tough team and a good rivalry,” head coach Ryan Ruzziconi said.

“Difficult to play there and every single match was a battle, and that showed not only in the individual match scores, but also in the fact the match finished 4-4.”

Hoping to get back to their winning ways, the Wildcats hit the road again on Thursday, September 5, this time for a trip to Royal Oak.

Fortunately, Oxford did just that. Sweeping the doubles matches, the Wildcats defeated the Ravens, 5-3.

“Royal Oak is a good program and a tough way to open OAA play by battling them on the road,” Ruzziconi shared.

“I was proud of our team. The went into Royal Oak and performed solidly and did that even with one of our top players (senior Cameron Mumbrue) being out with the flu. It also helped that our doubles teams dominated and swept all their matches. A nice win to open league play.”

The toughest test yet for this team, however, came on Saturday, September 7 when the Wildcats participated in a quad at Eisenhower High School. Opposing three state qualifiers from a year ago – Eisenhower, Grand Blanc and Stoney Creek – this was a nice learning experience for an up-and-coming Wildcat team.

Finishing fourth in the quad with six points, the Wildcats did have some solid performances. Junior Gabe Smith and sophomore Chase Maier took home first place in the No. 2 doubles flight. Senior Dane and junior Silas VonAllmen defeated Eisenhower in the No. 1 doubles to also earn points for Oxford.

“I really enjoy this quad every year. It’s a difficult quad, against teams that routinely go to the state finals each year but playing such quality competition gets us ready for OAA and MHSAA Regional play.

“Our players gain invaluable experience from this quad each year. Frankly, it makes them better players for the second half of the season.”

Seeking to demonstrate what they have learned from this experience; the Wildcats have two upcoming home matches. They host Ferndale on Tuesday, September 10, and Southfield Arts & Technology on Thursday, September 12.