In Freedom’s first city rivalry tennis match of the season, the Patriots defeated Bethlehem Catholic, 6-1, last Thursday at Becahi.

Justin Szaro defeated Stephen Botek, 6-1, 6-2, at number one singles, Paras Chand defeated Gabe Velez, 6-1, 6-2, at number two singles, and at three singles, Advay Desmukh defeated Anthony Barczynski, 6-1, 6-0, all for the Patriots.

“Definitely my forehand and definitely my serve [were working well],” said Szaro. “He had a good forehand and a very consistent serve, so it was more the struggle of keeping play in and keeping the points going.”

Consistency was the key for Chand at two singles throughout his match against Velez.

“I think today it was the consistency of my backhand. At the beginning, I think it was a little shaky because I was in a new environment, so instead of making power shots, I felt like I had to be more consistent, so after I won the second game, I felt like it was going to keep going. It gave me more momentum,” Chand said.

In doubles matches, Zachary Chomitzky and Fahim Paiker defeated Sean Van Ormer and Joshua Maruscak, 6-1, 6-4, at number two, Brian Gerra and Shivam Chand defeated Justus Bozzi and Eric Smith, 6-4, 6-1, at number three, and Dan Connell and Dylan Sarkozy defeated Charlie Pavis and Maanik Singh, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, at number four.

The Patriots will play their second city rivalry match this Wednesday.

“I want to have a good match against Liberty,” said Desmukh. “It’ll be a tough match because [Jacob Wong] is a good player, and I played against him in doubles last year.”

The Patriots will also take on Easton and Central.

“I think Allentown Central Catholic is going to be tough, but I think we can beat them, and then Liberty will be a tough match, and then Easton, I think we can beat them,” said Chand. “Overall, I think it’s going to be a positive ending.”