Returning their entire starting lineup paid off for the Indian River boys’ and girls’ varsity tennis teams on Tuesday, and they each collected outright, two-set victories across the board against Lake Forest. Both Indian River teams won 5-0 in their three singles matches and two doubles matches.

The boys’ team, which played at home, was ready for the season on Tuesday. Each team went at least one set without their opponents registering a game, but senior Zach Kmetz denied his opponent a single game score in his 6-0, 6-0 victory.

“We came out strong today,” he said, “but Thursday’s our biggest match.”

The Indians traveled to Seaford on March 26 (after Coastal Point Press deadline) in a match that could shine light on the conference favorite, despite falling in the season’s first week.

“It’s our pivotal match of the year, even though it’s our second game. The Seaford game means a lot. It’s how we define our season. It’s like our Super Bowl,” said Kmetz.

Head coach Patsy Cicala said he was pleased with the victory but also had his sights set on Thursday.

“I don’t want our team to get overconfident with this win,” he said. “Thursday will show us how we’ll do this season. We beat Seaford last year 3-2, then they beat us 4-1.”

As for the season opener, a fixed mindset and aggressive play sealed the victory.

“Everyone seems to be playing well,” said Cicala. “They want a hard practice tomorrow to get ourselves ready, and that’s the ambition we want in these guys. I’d like to avoid the rain, but my guys were out here in the snow in the pre-season. Weather is never a factor with our team.”

Tuesday’s match gave the team the chance to work on varied aspects of their game.

“It was a good day for them to try new things,” said Cicala, “but they know the level they have to come up to.”

Following Thursday’s match at Seaford, the boys’ team will head to Milford on Monday, March 30, host Cape Henlopen on April 1 and face Smyrna on Friday, April 3.

The Lady Indians, much to the pleasure of head coach Karen Oliphant, also started off the season well on the courts.

“My girls definitely came out ready,” said Oliphant. “We out-skilled our opponents, and I think it was mostly due to the fact that we were more experienced. Our team knew where to stand in doubles, and we talked to each other. They weren’t standing around in ‘no-man’s land.’”

The key to the team’s success came through consistent play and patience. Indian River recorded no double faults and continued to send the ball over the net.

“I’ve taught the girls to let the other team make the mistakes. As long as we kept ball in play, we were going to be the ones to score the last point,” Oliphant said.

Senior first-singles player Ramsey Ruether dominated her opponent and was able to practice placement in her match.

“She worked on putting the ball closer to the alleys,” said Oliphant. “It was great for her to get the opportunity to work on these things in a match setting.”

Second-singles player Jocelyn Hazzard gave a solid performance as well in her victory. Brittany Baker made a quick adjustment from doubles in the past to the third-singles position and picked up a 6-0, 6-0 win.

“Brittany’s really risen to the level we need her at,” said Oliphant. “She covered the court nicely and hustled to the ball.”

Many of the girls are utilizing net play in their strategy, something their coach is proud to see.

“Our girls are proving that they’re not afraid to go out there and rush the net,” she said, “and that’s good to see.”

The early win was a nice way to start the season, but Oliphant doesn’t want her team to get too satisfied.

“It was a good ego booster for the girls,” she said, “but I want them to want it. I need our team to come out wanting to win each time.”

The girls’ exhibition team even came out on top, promising talent in the team’s future.

“These girls are going to still be competitive down the road,” said Oliphant. “For some of them, it’s the last sport they’ll play in high school, and it is nice to see them still bringing that drive.”

The Lady Indians will host Brandywine on Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m. and Milford on Monday, March 30, at 4 p.m. They will travel to Cape on Wednesday, April 1, at 4 p.m. and to Smyrna on Friday, April 3, also at 4 p.m.