Liberty’s tennis team competed in the first round of PIAA state team championships but lost to Conestoga (Berwyn, Pa.) by a score of 2-3 last Tuesday at Winning Touch in Allentown.

The Hurricanes won at one singles where Dan Lynn defeated Ahmed Aboseada 6-2, 3-6, 10-8, and at two singles where Louis Gruber defeated Cahlin Pragada 3-6, 6-3, 10-3.

Lynn and Aboseada were still playing when the team match was decided.

“I had a feeling [they won]. I saw them smiling,” said Lynn. “We made it this far. It’s a big accomplishment.”

Gruber and Pragada were also still playing.

“The season’s been terrific, but we didn’t quite come through today,” Gruber said. “In the first set [Pragada] was crushing shots, forehand and backhand, so I gave myself a little more time by taking a few steps back toward the base line, and I ground out a few points.”

At three singles, Jacob Berg lost to Carson Lortz 5-7, 0-6.

At two doubles, Luke Conrad and David Lynn lost to Kai Czubryt-Ogino and Matt Walton 6-2, 2-6, 1-6.

“They lived up to their full potential and started volleying really well,” said Conrad.

At three doubles, Duke Jin and Gavin Snyder lost to Stephen Le and Sebastian Urrunaga 3-6, 2-6.

“We knew we’d be in for a tough match,” said Liberty coach Leo Schnalzer. “Jacob was up 4-1 in his first set, and he struggled in the second. We did pretty good at two doubles, and at three doubles, we were in both sets.”

Despite the loss last Tuesday, the Hurricanes were proud of their entire season.

“It’s definitely [a feeling of] pride,” said Conrad. “We knew it was special, and we didn’t squander it. We lived up to everyone’s expectations and our own.”