New Ulm Boys Tennis Team Shows Promise in Season Opener Against Mankato West

The New Ulm boys tennis team kicked off their 2024 season with a tough 5-2 loss against Section 2AA opponent Mankato West on Thursday. Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for the Eagles to take away from the match.

One of the standout performances came from Gideon Heins at No. 3 singles, who secured a convincing 6-0, 6-3 victory over his opponent Leighton Betters. Another highlight was Ian Schotzko’s impressive win at No. 4 singles, where he defeated Charlie Lamoureux 6-1, 7-5.

New Ulm head coach Pete Engeldinger praised Schotzko’s performance, highlighting his resilience and composure in a tight match. The Eagles also showed promise in doubles action, with close matches across the board against a strong Mankato West team.

Despite the loss, the Eagles are looking ahead to their upcoming matches with optimism. They have a tough test against Mankato East on Monday, followed by a matchup with New Prague on Friday. The team will then return home to host Fairmont in a Big South Conference meeting on April 15.

Overall, the New Ulm boys tennis team may have started the season with a loss, but they have shown determination and potential for success in the matches to come. With strong performances from players like Heins and Schotzko, the Eagles are poised to make their mark in the 2024 season.