The boys tennis team placed fifth at the IHSA state competition in Palatine May 27-28. Out of 52 teams, U-High scored 16 points over two days of competition, winning 11 matches and losing 6. 

U-High’s first singles player, sophomore Dash Smith, advanced to the third round, consisting of 16 players, and scored six points for the team. He said a favorite moment of his was competing against friends from other schools.

“A high point of state for me was getting to see my friends and play against my friends,” Dash said. “Even though I was playing against them, it was still fun to see them.”

Sophomore Krish Khanna also participated and scored four points for the team.

Junior Maurice Neuman and teammate Sohail Sajdeh were U-High’s first doubles pairing, tying for ninth at state. Maurice said this season has been exciting both for him personally and the whole team. This year, he was in the top six for the first time in his three years on the team.

“I think this season was really good. Our coach was saying how this was one of the only years that he’s ever had where there’s nobody he doesn’t like,” he said. “Everybody has a good attitude and everyone cares.”

Dash said he is looking forward to the next season as younger players advance.

“There have been a lot of good freshmen that have joined the team,” he said, “so I’m excited to see them get better next year.”