Momentum: The driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.

The Lehighton tennis team continued its momentum on Tuesday, winning its ninth consecutive match as it defeated rival Palmerton, 3-2, in a non-league contest.

The Tribe have been enjoying one of the best tennis seasons in school history, and also captured their 10th win of the season (10-3).

“We’re just playing with a ton of momentum right now, and you can see that by today’s match where we definitely played better this time around against Palmerton,” said Lehighton head coach Cody Schuler. “When the wins pile up like this, I think you see everyone playing with more confidence. I thought today we did a good job of getting our first serves in, and then just really staying balanced and hustling on every point. You can tell this is a focused group right now.”

The Indians have been led all season by a laser-focused Aaron Miller, who has been hitting lasers throughout the spring with his racket. Miller has dropped just a handful of sets, and was able to win his No. 1 singles match 6-1, 6-2. Miller’s victory moved him to 13-0 on the season.

“He’s locked in right now, and really just hitting all the shots you need to in order to win matches,” said Schuler. “He has just gotten better it seems each and every match, and his improvement this season is just a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport of tennis.”

Palmerton was able to come away with a win in No. 2 singles on the cold and windy afternoon, with Riley Fallon scoring a 6-4, 6-3 victory.

It wasn’t the overall result the Bombers were looking for, but it was a hard fought match nonetheless.

“Today was a tough loss for us, but the team has definitely improved overall since the start of the season. I really see them hitting well and returning well and putting together great rallies,” said Palmerton head coach Jen Danzeisen. “What I love about this team is that they always have a great attitude win or lose, and when they make mistakes, they work hard to do better the next time. They have respect for their teammates as well as their opponents, and I am extremely proud of how they worked hard all season to improve.”

Key matches on the day for Lehighton that clinched the win were the No. 3 singles and No.1 doubles contests.

Schuler made a switch going into the match, moving Bayto Cokrlija from doubles play to No. 3 singles, and Cokrlija came away with a 6-2, 6-4 victory. Luke Blauch and Zane Smith also captured a 6-2, 7-5 victory in No. 1 doubles action to clinch the match.

NEXT UP

… With the District 11 singles tournament starting early next week, Lehighton has one more match left against Jim Thorpe. Miller will be going for his 14th win of the season against the Olympians, and will be looking to stay unbeaten.

REDEMPTION

... Back on March 29, Lehighton lost a 3-2 match to the Bombers, but this time the Tribe were able to come away with the win. The Indians last lost a team match all the way back on April 1.

THAT’S IT

... The second doubles match was forfeited due to weather.

Lehighton 3, Palmerton 2

SINGLES

Aaron Miller (L) def. Justin Sebelin (P), 6-1, 6-2; Riley Fallon (P) def. Daniel Hoppes (L), 6-4, 6-3; Bayto Cokrlija (L) def. Tyler Shollenberger (P), 6-2, 6-4.

DOUBLES

Luke Blauch/Zane Smith (L) def. Tyler Hager/Colby Chadwick (P), 6-2, 7-5; Palmerton won by forfeit.