PUNXSUTAWNEY — St. Marys took home wins in three singles matches and two of three doubles to record a win against Punxsy in High School tennis action Monday.

In singles: Blake Hoffman (SM) defeated Dana Smith 6-0, 6-4.

Brandon Henry (SM) defeated Griffin White, 6-2, 6-2 Merrick Leckey (SM) defeated Ethan Boohr, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 Rocco Richardson (P) defeated Gavin Henry, 4-6, 6-3, 6-10 In Doubles: Brandon Henry and Blake Hoffman (SM) defeated Abe Santos & Dana Smith, 8-4 Griffin White and Ethan Boohr (P) defeated Gavin Henry and Dakota Cousins, 8-5 Ajem Nural and Aidan West (P) defeated Kai Caskey and Carter Dynda, 8-4 “This was an exciting way to open the D9 season. After the first four matches we had a 3-1 lead,” said St. Marys Head Coach Tim Henry.

“Hoffman played aggressive but smart tennis to notch win #1. Gavin’s match against an experienced senior went to a third set breaker. Henry raised his level throughout, but the Punxy athlete’s steadiness under pressure and consistent serve won him the match. At three, Brandon used his experience to his advantage to secure win #2. Merrick turned around a shaky first set to earn a crucial win.

“The freshman team at third doubles did the best they could and showed nice improvement, but could not secure the win.

The match came down to the wire as we had to win one of the two doubles matches to clinch the win. Our freshman could not find a way to get ahead and lost to a more experienced team.

At one doubles Brandon and Blake’s chemistry and shot making under pressure was the difference. Henry’s serve and Hoffman’s groundstrokes and aggressive net play clinched the match. This was a hard-fought win.”

St. Marys (1-1) played in Altoona last Friday, losing all five matches.