No matter what the sport, the ingredient that most coaches are looking for is confidence. It is no secret that is what makes a young team dangerous.

Both sporting young boys' tennis teams, Wawasee coach Phil Mishler and Warsaw coach Andy Lewis are looking for the C word.

Lewis' Tigers appear to be closer, judging by a 4-1 win over Mishler's Warriors Tuesday at Warsaw courts, but looks can be deceiving.

This was as they say, closer than score indicated.

"We felt better than we did last year," Mishler said. "I think we can compete with Warsaw."

It was almost even further than the score indicated, but a slip at No. 2 doubles cost Warsaw a chance to close out their Wawasee counterparts and the Warriors' Quyen Tran and Steve Ummel rallied for a 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 win over Dan Tupps and Dan Benyousky.

"We had that match and a little mental breakdown," Lewis said. "We have to start playing for each other if we want to do anything this year."

Warsaw had no trouble at the singles positions as No. 1 Craig Harman, No. 2 Ryan Von Puffelen and No. 3 Pete Hake cruised past Wawasee's Mark Lembach, Luke Baker and Andy Cole, respectively.

Harman used his superior power and court coverage to cruise to the 6-2, 6-2 victory. Von Puffelen used a Michael Chang-like performance tracking down ball after ball and sending them back in a precision way, slicing and dicing the court like a gourmet chef. Von Puffelen won 6-0, 6-1.

"We are young at the singles positions because we go one senior and two sophomores," Mishler said. "They're are just learning and gaining confidence. Hopefully as the season progresses, we will improve."

Warsaw used a new combination at No. 1 doubles, teaming Matt Howard with Owen Compton. The new team reached 1-0 on the season in impressive fashion, winning 6-4, 6-2.

"My No. 1 doubles team took care of business," Lewis said. "They went out there and did a good job."

Both coaches are hoping the confidence comes by the time the Northern Lakes Conference championships roll around in two weeks. For Warsaw, 3-0 in the NLC, it is a another chance to knock off rival Goshen. For Wawasee, 0-4 in the NLC, it is a chance to knock anyone off.

"I tell them not to be satisfied with losing," Lewis said. "We need to focus a little more. I am trying to focus on winning for each other. This is a young team. But they have the talent, they just need confidence."

"We just need to gain some confidence to roll into (NLCs) and hopefully do some damage," Mishler said. "With the young ones, they are learning how to play and what shots work for them. It is just a matter of understanding of when and how to attack and when not to. Every win helps them with confidence. It is a stepping process."

Wawasee is now 5-5 overall and Warsaw is 5-4. Warsaw is at NorthWood Thursday, while Wawasee is at Bremen.

WARSAW 4, WAWASEE 1

Singles

No. 1 - Craig Harman (War) def. Mark Lembach, 6-2, 6-2

No. 2 - Ryan Puffelen (War) def. Luke Baker, 6-0, 6-1

No. 3 - Pete Hake (War) def. Andy Cole, 6-1, 6-0

Doubles

No. 1 - Owen Compton & Matt Howard (War) def. Ryan Perzanowski & Jared Mahnensmith, 6-4, 6-2

No. 2 - Quyen Tran & Steve Ummel (Waw) def. Dan Tupps & Dan Benyousky, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2

JV: WARSAW 3, WAWASEE 2

Singles

No. 1 - Eric Grossnickle (War) def. Shane Beer, 6-3, 6-4

No. 2 - Matt Krizmanich (War) def. Kyle Farrel, 7-5, 6-2

No. 3 - David Honneffer (War) def. Blake Knisely, 8-3

Doubles

No. 1 - Farhan Haq & Joe Rucker (Waw) def. Matt Kloser & Ryan Kreager, 8-6

No. 2 - Ben Ashpole & Josh Unruh (Waw) def. Eric Keller & Steve Slaughter, 8-6 [[In-content Ad]]