The idea behind ‘next man up’ is as old as the wooden tennis racquet. The mantra is more than talk for Emmaus boys tennis coach Fred Saab.

His 2021 Hornets have shown a proclivity to win the matches they should, and every time out give a good effort. Through seven matches Emmaus is 5-2 and rest assured, it hasn’t come easy.

“Our biggest challenge has been working through the pairings for our doubles,” said Saab. “With boys missing for various reasons, none due to illness, we have had a rotating doubles line up. With the lack of consistency, it is hard to create chemistry with one’s partner. However, we have taken the approach of ‘next man up,’ and the boys have risen to the challenge.”

Saab’s juggling act has included the pairings of Nic Gilboy and Gabe Huff, Rohan Desai and Ali Ahmed, Aidan Springs and Johnson Yang and Ansh Malik and Desai. At times Gavin Coleman and Yang have joined forces, and Aedan Whalen and Ahmed have comprised a duo.

Despite the shuffle, the Hornets doubles squads have been winners more often than not this year. During a home-and-home series with Whitehall on April 7 and 10, they were victorious in all matches. Earlier in the week they were winless against Parkland, suffering a 7-0 loss.

Defeat is rare for the Hornets’ singles staff. Number one Quinn Erk has been outstanding. Even in a rare loss April 6 against Parkland’s Dan Zolotarev, Erk pressed hard, winning the first set 6-3, before losing 6-2, 6-3. Other opponents have found Erk to be enigmatic. The reason is simple - Erk is a complete tennis player who gives rivals little to exploit.

“Quinn has a strong all-court game,” Saab said. “He is comfortable rallying from the baseline and taking the short-ball approach to the net. He has a powerful serve and a great, well-rounded game.”

That well-rounded game is no mistake. While Erk is undoubtedly talented and overall the Hornets are solid, Saab has worked hard to instill fundamentals. Those fundamentals provide the foundation to playing winning tennis.

“During practice, we try to work on volleys and poaching at the net,” Saab said. “Most boys will practice rallying from the baseline, but the team that can rally and put the ball away, will have the upper hand in the match.”

Number two Eddy Chow has owned several upper hands this year. He wiped out Whitehall’s Nathan Wak 6-0, 6-0 on April 10.

“Eddy is a great player who crafts the point to his advantage,” said Saab. “He has an all-around strong game and is comfortable coming to the net to volley as well.”

Number three Aidan Springs, whose height and strength are assets, “uses his power game to gain the advantage during points,” said Saab. This was on display during his win over Whitehall’s Dan Labram last Saturday 6-0, 6-0.

Wins and losses aside, Saab wants one thing - his players’ absolute best.

“The team has been giving a good effort,” said Saab. “I am proud of all the boys.”