Bethlehem Catholic’s boys’ tennis team got in some extra days of practice due to its season opener scheduled for last Thursday against Nazareth at Illick’s Mill.

“It feels good,” said senior Stephen Botek. “We still have some improvements to make, but I think for the most part, we have a solid group of kids, good team chemistry and we can only get better from here.”

Freshman Curt Gruber is the Hawks’ number one singles player this year, Botek is at two singles, and Gabe Velez is at three singles.

Botek and Velez were doubles players last year, although not together.

“It’s definitely a big transition. There’s a lot more just on you. It’s a lot more pressure and I think it’s going to be a big change to get used to,” Botek said. “I couldn’t say that I have a preference yet. I haven’t played enough singles matches to know, but I had a lot of fun today.”

Sean Van Ormer and Anthony Barczynski are playing two doubles, Maanik Singh and Joshua Maruscak are playing three doubles, and at four doubles are Brett Wyatt and Charlie Pavis.

The Hawks are starting the season in rebuilding mode. In addition, coach George Harmanos is expecting that the weather-delayed start to the season will also have an impact on the Hawks.

“As the season goes on, this team aims at qualifying for districts for the eighth season in a row,” Harmanos said.

Becahi will be on the road for its next four matches, taking on East Stroudsburg North, Stroudsburg, Whitehall, and Allentown Central Catholic before returning to its home courts for Pocono Mountain East on March 26.

“Last year we finished close to .500, and this year we have a lot of new kids coming up, and I think they all have a lot of potential,” said Botek. “After a few matches, get some more practices in, I think we can pull out some wins, and maybe, hopefully finish .500.”