The LM boys’ tennis team had a blazing start to their regular season, reaching a stellar record and sailing past competitors such as Harriton High School, Haverford High School, and North Penn High School. Despite some tough losses that have piled up as of recently, the Aces are still chasing the same goal: make it to States in Hershey.
That path, however, has grown more challenging, especially after the recent 3-2 loss against Radnor on April 15. The match delivered on its promise of being the most anticipated of the season, drawing even more intensity and excitement than other rivals like Harriton and Conestoga. The long and competitive battles across all of varsity and JV collectively added up to around three hours of electric tennis, unfortunately the loss was not the outcome that the team hoped for.
With just one final match remaining against Penncrest High School to close out the regular season, the team are reflecting on both the ups and downs while looking ahead to what’s next. As they prepare for what lies ahead, players are thinking beyond results, but more about the experiences and relationships that have composed their season.
Asher Abella ’26 shared his perspective on the remainder of the season, indicating “It’s my senior year, while I’d love to end with a strong playoff run, I’m going to prioritize the team community, building onto our already strong culture.” Ultimately, he added, the goal is to “make more lasting memories.” For Abella and the rest of the team, success is clearly measured by more than just wins and losses, something especially important in a predominantly individual sport like tennis. Varsity captain, Chase Pearlman ’26, reflected on the most valuable aspect of leading the team, noting “the team is largely composed of seniors and freshman, creating a special brotherhood dynamic, and it’s incredibly rewarding in my final season to watch everyone motivate each other to be better.”
While remaining focused on the present situation, the team has already begun preparing for the upcoming 2027 season, which varsity coach Harris Mailman described as a “rebuild season.” This is based upon the incoming wave of young talent who are predicted to join the team in the next coming years. In fact, the number one position on the team, currently held by Nathan Dolgushev ’26, will potentially be filled by an incoming freshman next year, signaling a significant shift in the lineup.
For the underclassmen, this transition is a striking opportunity to improve skills, reach higher positions in the lineup, and experience bigger-scale competition that comes with advancing to the playoffs, districts, and states. One exhibition team player, a hybrid level between JV and varsity, Nick Plyasunov ’29, looked back on the season’s growth: “the underclassmen are gaining valuable experience and we’re all improving,” adding, “next season will look very different, but there’s so much potential. We also have freshmen coming up next year who will help contribute to the team’s success which is super exciting!” Harris has predicted that the Aces could make a strong playoff run in 2028 and 2029 seasons that, while still ahead, are quickly approaching and reflect the team’s long-term potential. With new talent on the horizon and a solid foundation already in place, the LM boys’ tennis team will be one to watch out for, not just in the coming seasons but as they continue building a community encompassing growth, resilience, and tight-knit team culture.
