The defending District 11 tennis champions of Freedom High School are returning to the court this season with key returners as well as some beginner newcomers.

“Obviously, last year was a great year,” said Patriot head coach Jeff Young. “This year we lost Andrew [Sinai to graduation], and those are huge shoes to fill.”

Taking over Sinai’s spot at number one singles this season is Aidan Bodeo-Lomicky.

Ross Sonnenblick is at number two singles, and Ronak Desai is at number three singles. All are key returners.

“We have a strong top half of the line, and Ross is showing strong leadership,” Young said. “Singles will be the strength of our team. Aidan and Ross are accomplished, high-level players, and when they play doubles together, I expect them to be very strong.”

At number two doubles will be Jon Fiorentino and Jonathan Chu, also returning.

Austin Negron and Joel Veneracion are currently at number three doubles, and Justin Szaro and Ryan Sternberg are currently playing at number four doubles.

“Three and four doubles may or may not change,” said Young. “They’re all so new. We’ll see who develops and who they play better with.”

The Patriots were halfway through a home match against Allentown Central Catholic last week when rain stopped play. As of Press deadlines, Parkland, Nazareth, and Emmaus are next on Freedom’s schedule.

“The next three matches will be really tough,” Young said. “Then we’ll have Liberty and Beca later on in the season.”