By Andy Orozco

Freelancer

On a chilly morning that seemed to cling to the last vestiges of summer warmth, the Bonney Lake Panthers Boys Tennis team ventured into the lion’s den, otherwise known as the Thomas Jefferson Raiders’ home turf in Auburn, on Sept. 30.

This was no ordinary tennis showdown; it was a non-league clash with a twist. Each squad fielded seven Singles players before concocting four Doubles teams from this pool, creating a tantalizing total of 11 possible points up for grabs.

When the final scorecards were tallied, it was the Raiders who emerged victorious, with a resounding 9-2 triumph.

The Thomas Jefferson Raiders showcased their depth and tenacity throughout the contest, with only one senior in their ranks, a testament to the promising future of their program.

On the other side of the net, the Bonney Lake Panthers, a squad predominantly composed of Juniors and Sophomores, fought valiantly in their quest for glory. Despite the challenging odds, two shining moments pierced the chilly morning air and warmed the hearts of Panther supporters.

At the forefront, the No. 1 Singles maestro, Gavin Orozco, orchestrated a masterclass performance, securing a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory.

The No. 3 Doubles duo, Jarrett Sroka and Jerimiah Mam, scripted their own heroic tale, clawing their way back from the brink to win a thrilling third-set 10-point tiebreaker, the scoreline reading 6-7, 6-2, 10-7.

As the Panthers brace themselves for a challenging week ahead, facing off against Lincoln, top-ranked Silas, and second-placed Mt. Tahoma in quick succession, these moments of brilliance serve as a testament to their resilience and the promise of brighter days on the horizon.