Bethlehem Catholic’s boys’ tennis team opened its season on Thursday against Stroudsburg when the Mountaineers defeated the Hawks 5-2.

Winning their matches for Becahi were Kyle Smedley at number two singles, who defeated Jolen Nortey 6-1, 6-1, and Nick Cenek at number three singles, who defeated Caleb Secor 6-2, 6-0.

Matt Falteich is the Hawks’ number one singles player this year.

“Our singles all played number two or number three doubles last year, and they moved up to singles,” said Becahi tennis coach George Harmanos. “Our doubles players are pretty much new except Sean.”

Sean Van Ormer and Jacob Kanyuk are playing at number two doubles, Gabe Velez and Connor Aitken are at number three doubles, and Steven Botek and Maanik Singh are currently paired at number four doubles.

“The boys are very athletic, and hopefully in a few weeks, they will have more tennis experience. They’re not really tennis players; they don’t take lessons or play at the club, but it’s really kind of fun because I can do more instructing, in a sense,” Harmanos said.

“Because doubles is more complicated and there’s more strategy, it takes more time to get the kids to the point where they understand it. It’s a learning process.”

This week, the Hawks will travel to East Stroudsburg South and Pocono Mountain West.

“Even against Stroudsburg, the matches were pretty close, and they have a good team,” said Harmanos. “We obviously don’t have any district champions, but the guys are having fun, and they’re learning a lifetime sport.”