The Jonathan Alder boys tennis team sent six representatives to the State Sectional tournament on May 11, 2017.

The Pioneers were represented by both singles and doubles participants in the match that took place at Columbus Academy. Sadly, no Pioneers advanced past the sectional tournament to compete in the district tournament. All players from Alder lost at the hands of tennis powerhouses Columbus Academy or Wellington.

Junior Brandon Dembek and senior Tyler Unger represented the Pioneers in singles matches. Dembek was eliminated in his third match after winning his first and second. Unger also won a match, but was knocked out of the tournament in his second. Senior Patrick Koesters also picked up a sectional victory before losing his second match.

On the doubles side of the tournament, senior Devin Keaton and his partner, Connor Dembek, were knocked out by a pair from Wellington after winning their first match. Senior Jack Berry and junior Ethan Cox followed the popular trend of Alder players and lost their second match after picking up one victory.

Though there were no Pioneers able to advance out of the sectional tournament, all the players represented Jonathan Alder well, picking up at least one victory. When asked about how the team felt after sectionals, Keaton stated, “It’s pretty disappointing that no one moved on. However, it felt good that all of us were able to get passed the first round with a victory.” Despite the sudden end of his senior year season, Keaton is continuing his tennis career at Heidelberg University next year.