Senior Sam Vogel unleashes a backhand. (Sarah Neltner’20/Media staff)

After a rough few matches last week, Academy’s boys tennis team was eager to end its regular season on an upswing. The Vikes did just that, winning their final two matches before victoriously starting the postseason. 

CA traveled to Thomas Worthington on Monday, May 7, and beat the Cardinals, 4-1. Though freshman Arie Tuckerman fell 6-3, 6-3 in first singles, the other Vikings covered for him. Classmate Jack Madison took his second singles court, 6-1, 6-3, and senior Sam Vogel triumphed 6-1, 6-1 in third singles. The first doubles squad of junior Drew Haffer and sophomore Rhian Seneviratne overwhelmed its opponent, 6-1, 6-1, and the second doubles pair of senior Harry Zaye and sophomore Ryan Wahl won in a battle, 3-6, 7-6, 1-0. 

Academy had its regular season finale and Senior Night on Tuesday, May 8, as a ceremony honoring Austin Abraham, Vogel, and Zaye preceded a 4-1 home victory over Westerville Central. Tuckerman, Madison, and Vogel breezed by their opponents in two sets on the first, second, and third singles courts, respectively. The first doubles team of Haffer and Seneviratne won as well, but Abraham and Zaye fell short in second doubles.

The boys then kicked off the postseason by hosting the individual sectional tournament on Thursday, May 10, and Saturday, May 12. Despite being eliminated from the team tournament in the week prior, they maintained their focus and topped the stiff competition. 

For the first time in eight years, all seven Vikings that entered the tournament advanced to districts. Tuckerman, Madison, and Wahl competed in singles, while the duo of Sundaram and Vogel and the team of Haffer and Seneviratne were doubles pairs. 

The Vikes advance to the individual district tournament on Thursday, May 17, and Saturday, May 19, at home.