The Bearcat tennis team is in a new region this season and will have to replace their top three singles players and half of a doubles pair. The odds may be stacked against them as they go for their sixth straight region championship, but that is just extra motivation for them to put in extra work.

“I think that coming into a season and having a goal is paramount,” coach Amy Thomas said. “For them to come in and automatically be wanting a championship, I think it makes them want to work harder.”

With four holes to fill in the starting lineup, Thomas is looking for multiple experienced players to take the next step in their development and fill important roles.

“Mark Loeffler has to play a key role this year and Mathew Walker, as a senior, has got to come and he’s got to be that senior leader,” Thomas said.

They may not be as strong at the top following the departures of Jones Gossett and Nour Hasona, but Thomas believes that they can find success through their depth.

“The boys need to remember that in the past we have won some important matches and even region tournament by winning our one and two doubles and one of our singles,” Thomas said. “Building a strong team from the top to the bottom and making every position count I think will be key for the boys.”

The team’s seniors are poised to lead their team as their work to build that depth and work towards a sixth straight region title.

“It is a lot of practice,” Logan Moorhead said. “We will have to build a lot of stamina. Really, it will come down to a lot of practice and having a close-knit team.”

In the fight for the region title, the Bearcats will have to battle a new region including Harris County, TCC, Veterans and Warner Robbins after making the move from 4A to 5A.

“We were in this region several years ago and it is not an easy region,” Thomas said. “Harris County is definitely a team to be reckoned with. TCC moved up with us. They are always a local rival and that is never and easy match.”