UPDATE: The Bridgeport High School tennis team got its match in Thursday afternoon, defeating Liberty at the Indians' home court at Hinkle-Deegan Lakes, both boys' singles and girls'  singles and all doubles' teams taking wins. See photos from that match HERE. 

 

Original story: 

 

On the boys’ side, a full roster of talent is back from the 2017 season. For the girls, just one starter has returned.

 

But both Bridgeport High School tennis teams remain undefeated after the first week of matches, all three played at the Tribe’s new home court at Hinkle-Deegan Lakes. The Indians took wins over Fairmont Senior, Williamstown and Notre Dame.

 

The boys’ lineup includes Grant DuVall, No. 1 singles; Ben Holbert, No. 2 singles; Brent Sinsel, No. 3 singles and Tanner Cava, No. 4 singles. Doubles teams are DuVall and Holbert (No. 1), Sinsel and Cava (No. 2) and Andrew Barlow and Christian Lehosit (No. 3). All are seniors, meaning there will be a clean slate for the 2019 roster.

 

Though all last year’s roster returned, the majority are fairly new at the game, Coach Dan Oliveto said.

 

“Except for DuVall – who was part of the state championship team his freshman year, but didn’t really play much – these guys have only been playing a couple years,” said Oliveto, adding that their efforts have been amazing.

 

The only returning female from last season, senior Rachel Lamm is at No. 1 singles. The remainder of the Lady Indians are Eleanor Noone, No. 2 singles; Grace Ebert, No. 3 singles and Virginia Noone, No. 4 singles. In doubles’ play, Lamm and Eleanor Noone combine for No. 1, Ebert and Virginia Noone for No. 2 and Sophia Gorby and Maggie Walker for No. 3.

 

Virginia Noone is a freshman. Ebert, a junior, and Gorby and Walker, both sophomores, are also first-time team members.

 

Oliveto is very pleased with the girls’ performance thus far, considering there are so many new faces; mostly underclassmen at that.

 

“Eleanor played last year, but doubles more than anything, so she does have some experience. All the other girls (with exception of Lamm) are brand new,” he said. “They continue to be successful, but have some tough competition ahead, as the boys do too.”

 

Oliveto said he is working with a fun bunch – and a dedicated one.

 

“They have all put in a lot of time during the offseason,” he said. “There’s only so much coaching you can do during the offseason, with the exception of a short, designated time in June, but these players have gotten together to work on their game away from high school, which is really nice to see.”

The Tribe has been off this week, due to weather. A Tuesday match with Robert C. Byrd and a Thursday match with Liberty were both canceled.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top/cover is Coach Dan Oliveto with Tribe tennis team members. Also pictured is Duvall and Lamm. Photos are by Ben Queen Photography. See more images from matches against Fairmont Senior and Notre Dame.