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Because he believes in his players and knows their talent, Warsaw Community High School tennis coach Rick Orban said he challenges his team to win 5-0.
The Tigers were up to the challenge Tuesday afternoon, hosting and beating rival Wawasee 5-0 in boys action.
"We've played well all year," said Orban. "We lost the first match of the season and have gone undefeated since. The kids are playing pretty well."
Since falling 3-2 to the Penn Kingsmen in Osceola Aug. 14, the Tigers have won seven consecutive matches.
Not only did Tuesday's impressive win improve Warsaw's overall record to 7-1, it upped the Tigers' record to 5-0 in the Northern Lakes Conference.
The Warriors, on the other hand, fell to 0-11 overall and 0-5 in the NLC standings.
Warsaw also defeated the Warriors 5-0 in junior varsity action.
The varsity Tigers won all five matches in straight sets, including dominating wins at No. 1 and No. 3 singles.
In the No. 1 singles spot, the second match to finish, sophomore Deon Shafer topped Justin McDowell 6-0, 6-1.
In No. 3 singles action, the first match that was completed, Warsaw senior Ben Voorhorst handled Vince Baumgartner 6-0, 6-0.
"We have an incredible 1-2-3 singles lineup," said Orban. "Deon Shafer at No. 1 singles is playing extremely well right now. He has a big game, but he's using his head more. Ben is a senior. He's probably one of the top three No. 3 singles players in the state, any team anywhere. He's very steady and very smart. He's got a lot of power and he picks the right time to use it. Mike (Chanthalangsy) at No. 2 singles was our No. 1 singles player last year. He's a senior and he makes our 1-2-3 singles nearly unstoppable."
In the final match to finish, the closest match of the evening according to the score, Chanthalangsy beat Raphael Busch 6-2, 6-3.
In the No. 1 doubles spot, Warsaw's Jake Wallin and Zach Tucker beat Hayden Shock and Dorian Speicher 6-0, 6-2.
In No. 2 doubles action, the Tigers' Ben Kawsky and Mark Krizmanich beat Rees Woodcock and Jose Rodriguez 6-0, 6-1.
"A week ago I finally picked the doubles teams," said Orban. "They're getting used to each other. We're working on different formations in practice. Tonight, they played pretty well."
The Tigers are in action again Thursday at NLC foe NorthWood, while Wawasee battles conference opponent Elkhart Memorial Thursday.
Warsaw concludes its regular season NLC schedule Monday at Concord. The NLC Championships are scheduled for Sept. 21 and 23.
"We're looking forward to the NLC Championships," said Orban. "The kids feel they have something to prove after losing last year. We're definitely looking forward to the post season."
WARSAW 5, WAWASEE 0
Singles
No. 1 - Deon Shafer (War) def. Justin McDowell 6-0, 6-1
No. 2 - Mike Chanthalangsy (War) def. Raphael Busch 6-2, 6-3
No. 3 - Ben Voorhorst (War) def. Vince Baumgartner 6-0, 6-0
Doubles
No. 1 - Jake Wallin/Zach Tucker (War) def. Hayden Shock/Dorian Speicher 6-0, 6-2
No. 2 - Ben Kawsky/Mark Krizmanich (War) def. Rees Woodcock/Jose Rodriguez 6-0, 6-1
JV - WARSAW 5, WAWASEE 0
Singles
No. 1 - Piero Ridoutt (War) def. Nick Sommers 6-2, 6-0
No. 2 - Jacob Macdonald (War) def. Bryan Smith 8-0
No. 3 - Sheldon Coffelt (War) def. Tony Vuittonet 8-1
Doubles
No. 1 - Chase Byerly/Brian Thallemer (War) def. Nick Sommers/Ryan Smith 6-1, 6-1
No. 2 - Collin Abbott/Bryce Scott (War) Ryan Smith/Tony Vuittonet 8-1
