Loaded with experience and strong leadership, the Liberty boys tennis team set the bar high coming into the spring season.

The Hurricanes lived up to the expectations as they ran through the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference with an unblemished 14-0 record, then went on to claim gold in the District 11 Class 3A team tournament.

In singles districts, Dan Lynn finished runner-up, while Louis Gruber reached the semifinals and Jacob Berg was a quarterfinalist. Lynn and Gruber rode that momentum into the district doubles tournament, where they knocked off teammates Luke Conrad and David Lynn in the championship.

For its outstanding achievements, Liberty is The Morning Call Boys Tennis Team of the Year.

"Being the only Liberty tennis team to ever win a team district title was truly a team effort," Liberty coach Leo Schnalzer said. "Having success in any program is a positive. As far as Liberty's boys program this year, it's added a lot of conversation both at Liberty and the community. That's been fun for everyone because it brings pride to the school and team."

Schnalzer described singles players Lynn, Gruber, and Berg as the backbone of the team with a fine supporting cast from the doubles players. The three singles players contributed heavily to the team's success as they combined for a 66-6 record this season.

The doubles teams of Luke Conrad-David Lynn and Duke Jin-Gavin Snyder provided depth and experience for the Hurricanes. Conrad-Lynn turned some heads in the district doubles tournament when they knocked off the No. 2 seed from Parkland in the semifinals.

Schnalzer knew he had a talented team on his hands before the season started. The majority of Liberty's players have a strong foundation in tennis, having played at various clubs throughout the Lehigh Valley. Schnalzer also credits his assistants Chris Conrad and Dawn Ketterman-Benner for the team's success.

The Hurricanes will lose two senior starters in Dan Lynn and Conrad, but should remain in the hunt for another EPC and district title next year.

"Those seniors will be missed next year for a variety of reasons," Schnalzer said. "Their quality of play, leadership and just fine individuals. I will certainly miss them."

Dante Terenzio is a freelance writer.

View original post here:

Morning Call all-area boys tennis: Liberty is team of year - Allentown Morning Call