For the 3rd year in a row, the Nouvel Catholic Central Boys Tennis team is headed to the State Finals in Holland, Michigan. Led by coach Scott Symons, who surpassed the 200-win mark last season, the Panthers were Regional Runners-Up, coming up just short to Bullock Creek.

At Regionals, Junior Jayden Lucas reached the final match before falling 4-6, 3-6 to Bullock Creek’s Andrew Whitman at number 3 singles. At number 2 doubles, Senior Reece Kenny and Freshman Charlie Groya made it to the final round before falling to Bullock Creek’s Brady Puehl and Lane Wedge.

Nouvel brought home a pair of flight championships. Senior Cooper Swackhamer won in the number 4 singles flight 7-5, 7-5. Sophomores Conrad Wardin and Owen Tunney won the number 3 doubles flight 7-6 (2), 7-5 over Gavin Hockstra and Justin Hayes from Bullock Creek to secure the team’s spot in Holland.

Nouvel had a successful regular season campaign, finishing as both TVC regular season and tournament champions. Overall, the team went 11-2-0, only dropping matches to Division 1 Heritage High School and Bullock Creek High School.

“We practice how we play,” Senior Captain Giorgio Fabiano stated. “That is why we were so successful this year. Coach has us play each other every day head-to-head. It is very competitive.”

For Fabiano and the rest of the Senior Panthers, they are hoping to end the season on a high note.

“We plan to get a few wins early and see what we can do,” added Fabiano. “Top 14 would be the goal, but after you win a couple of matches, you never know. Anyone can win it at that point.”