With only half of the season left, the Glenbard South boys varsity tennis team has continued its unwavering winning streak.

The Raiders played their toughest competition, Glenbard West, on April 16th, 2016 at the Glenbard West Invite. they took third, which is the best they have ever done in the particular difficult invite.

The boys have been taking each win in stride and using the confidence to take even their toughest competitors, such as Glenbard West, head on. Many have suspected a difficult end to the season, not necessarily because of their difficult competition, but rather the heart braking goodbye from half of the varsity team.

Varsity head coach Mark Conrad said, “The six seniors on the team are doing well for the most part. They all have improved their tennis games immensely, primarily due to off-season play over last summer, fall and into the winter indoors.”

Six out of the thirteen varsity players have been returning seniors. Including, Ryan Marco, Jared Schwarz, Ken Mendoza, Avinash Panjwani, Brian Saboriendo and Joey Chung. For many of them, tennis has been more than just a sport; it has been a journey that has lead them to create some of the strongest relationships while in High School.

Panjwani, four year varsity player and one of the three captains, said, “Tennis is like a good pizza. When it’s good, it is good. And when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good.”

Panjwani had lead the team with the most aces–a legal serve that is not touched by the receiver, winning the point–in singles matches , having fourteen so far this season. He has had seven wins and two losses and will expect to beat his upcoming opponent, Riverside Brookfield.

Panjwani said, “I have been playing tennis since I could hold a racquet, and I can honestly say tennis isn’t really just a sport. There is a mental set every time you play for a point that you have to overcome. The battle against yourself is the most important factor–even more important than the physical battle. Without the right mentality you’re not going to win a single match.”

For returning senior Kenny Mendoza, the mental game has been one he has been learning to play since he began playing tennis. Mendoza has played for the Raiders for four years. This will be his second year on varsity, and he still will admit to being his own toughest competitor.

In order to overcome the mental game, Mendoza said, “The team really helps. They are like my family, especially Yusuf [Baggia]. There are a few guys who are very uplifting and help me get out of my own head, like Avinash. He has taught me a lot of what I know.”

As the season will come to an end, the Raiders will continue to focus on their competition at hand. They should have a solid chance of winning the title of undefeated conference champions.