On October 4, 2022, the Saint Joe Boy’s tennis team battled hard against Penn in the first round of regionals. Unfortunately, they fell short, losing 3-2 to the Kingsmen. However, their loss does not provide an accurate overview of how much effort they put in.

Hall of Fame Coach Steve Bender even said himself, “I thought we were going home early when we lost the first set on all five courts. But we settled down and played and were right there with a shot to win it.” What he said was true: all of the Indians lost the first set. 1 singles Davis Borders lost to sophomore Chris Chen 6-2, 6-0 while seniors Will Barnes and Jake Gaul lost to freshman Quinn Lippert and senior David Bao 6-0, 6-1. Penn appeared to be getting too confident going into their second sets, but this confidence didn’t seem to last in their 1 doubles and 3 singles.

1 doubles team of freshman Luke Blumentritt and sophomore Jake Westberry took advantage of the fresh set, and played hard to win against Penn senniors Eli Deitchley and David Bao in a total of three sets: 6-7, 6-2, 6-4. Junior Will Westberry beat Penn junior Evan Knapp in three sets as well: 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. Meanwhile, junior Colin Blumentritt and Petter Klasson fought to cinch the final match for the overall win in the first round of regionals. Unfortunately, Klasson prevailed and beat Blumentritt in three sets: 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. Blumentritt had previously beaten him in the regular season in three sets, but Klasson had been suffering from a back injury.

The Saint Joe Boys tennis team might have had a tough loss to the end of their season, but they had a great run. Individually, the pair of Luke Blumentritt and Jake Westberry also have advanced to the state tournament in doubles.