Hidden in the shadow of the five time state champion volleyball team and the football team, the tennis team has been quietly building its name, finishing the regular season with an undefeated record.

The state’s number 9 team in 4A, the team begins play Friday in the Regional Tournament despite taking its first loss last weekend.

“The Area Tournament went really well,” head coach Adam Cherry said. “We shutout our first 2 opponents beating Pine Tree 13-0 and Hallsville 11-0. Going into the Area Championship, we were 14-0 and Texas High was 18-0. In the Championship, we went up 4-3 after doubles but ended up losing the team match 8-11. The match lasted over 5 hours and I was very pleased with our effort.”

Even though the team lost to Texas High, they still advanced to the Regional Tournament.

“The top 2 teams advance to the Regional Tournament in Grapevine,” Cherry said. “Only the Regional Champion advances to the State Tournament.”

The Regional finals will be played Friday with the Leopards in the number four seed position.

“Our regional tournament is Friday, and we’re expecting 3rd place,” junior Clarisa Salinas said. “We are planning on winning the first round, and second round is against Highland Park (not a good chance at winning that one as a team, but individual matches yes).”

The team is wanting to improve from the area round and play better in Grapevine.

“We’re really just focusing on playing smart on the court and being consistent,” Salinas said. “We want less unforced errors from our side than theirs. And also coming out with a lot of energy to show the other teams that we’re ready to compete.”

Listen below to hear from head coach Adam Cherry about his expectations for Regionals.