Rackets out, the Manhattan High boys tennis team kick-started their season with their first win on Sunday.

The team journeyed to Salina, placing first as a team at it’s first doubles match of the season. The Indians were up against Salina Central, Maize South, Topeka West, Topeka High and Hutchinson.

“It went great; we ended up getting first overall as a team so it’s a great start to the season,” senior Ben Turnley said. “We sent four doubles team to that meet and I think three out of the four won.… I think that was really impressive. It shows how deep our team is.”

Under a round robin system, the boys competed against all schools there and won all but one of the 20 matches.

“We did well; we won a final record of all four teams …  It was 19-1, so that’s good,” senior Kirkland Lambert said.

The team member’s triumph motivated them for the rest of the season.

“I’m definitely excited based off our past performance,” Turnley said. “I think that a very positive sign that the rest of the season will reflect that and hopefully we keep winning so I think it’s a good sign.”

Facing Salina Central, however, was nothing short of challenging, for Salina is known for holding the State record. Running into a similar situation as last year, the boys faced Salina Central in their final round.

“Going in, Salina Central is tough team-wise,” Lambert said. “Other teams have a couple good one doubles teams but overall Salina Central has a really good team.”

Senior Carter Nelson said the final round was rough for all doubles but one, due to a few team member’s inability to come back up.

“That’s what I’ve noticed just consistency and just staying in the match even if you’re down,” Nelson said. “Because all of us except for one team in the finals match we were all down but we came back and won.”

It was a hard fought win, and the perfect send-off for the Washburn Rural match on Tuesday .

“We played great. We weren’t too rusty. We were looking good,” Turnley said. “I think it will be an exciting year based off how that first meet went.”