The boys varsity tennis team played in the Okemos Quad on Friday and faced some of the top teams in the state. The Rangers split with Groves 4-4 but lost to both EGR and Okemos 3-5.

Groves has a very talented tennis program, but the Rangers stuck with them from start to finish. One key factor was the Rangers’ 3 doubles tandem of sophomores Cully Herbert and Walker Sjolin. These two were undefeated on the day and gave some crucial points to FHC.

East Grand Rapids and Okemos both have two of the most prestigious tennis programs in the state, but that didn’t stop the Rangers. Senior Nick Sjolin showed why he deserved to play 1 singles by playing three games against some of the top-ranked players in the state. He went 0-3 on the day but shocked both Okemos and Groves by his ability to stay with them.

Another key player was sophomore Nick Yasenchak, who had an outstanding win against Okemos at 4 singles. He, along with the rest of the team, allowed a close game between all three schools and gave the Rangers a good learning experience.

The boys’ next match is Monday, August 26 at Holland Public. This will be yet another challenge that the Rangers will have to fight through as the season progresses.