A more talented Polk men’s tennis team, combined with some parity in the Western Highlands Conference, inspires Wolverine coach Richard Davis to feel that if his team has a chance to win the conference title, this might be the year.

In any case, the Wolverines made a fine showing against conference rival Hendersonville on a warm, sunny day at Columbus on Thursday, March 17, defeating the Bearcats, 6-3.

“The first time in eight years,” Davis noted about the last time his team defeated Hendersonville. “It was a nice day,” he added.

In the match’s clash between each school’s number one players, Polk’s Tyler Oxtoby won five straight games to defeat Christian Maxey, 10-6.

Other Polk singles winners were number three Henry Monts (by 10-1), number five, Rustin Muse (10-2) and Malik Miller (number six, 10-0).

In doubles matches, the Wolverines’ number one combo of Oxtoby and Monts was a 7-5 winner, while Payton Stott and Alec Becker fell, 8-2, at number two. However, Muse and Miller combined to win their doubles match, 8-0.

“We can’t celebrate this too awfully long,” Davis remarked, as the Wolverines play three matches this week, including two against WHC rivals. Davis also pointed out that his team meets the Bearcats again this season—at Hendersonville on April 5.

Yesterday, Polk hosted West Henderson. Today, Polk hosts Avery County at 4 p.m. Tomorrow Polk visits Owen for a 3:30 start.