Senior leadership matters.

The Palmerton tennis team, which features three seniors in the top three singles spots, was able to use its experience to its advantage against a young Jim Thorpe team on Wednesday afternoon.

In the end, the Bombers came away with a 5-0 victory over the Olympians.

Palmerton finished with two wins a season ago, and has already equaled that total in three matches this spring.

“Having that leadership and experience in all three of our singles positions gives us confidence going into every match we play. We know going into every match that we’re going to always pickup some games and compete,” said Palmerton head coach Jennifer Danzeisen. “This team has entered the season with a great attitude. They are ready to play at the start of every match and they are playing well. I’m excited to see how they continue to improve throughout the season.”

The Bombers (2-2) looked good in singles action on the day, sweeping all three matches. Justin Sebelin, Riley Fallon and Tyler Hager all picked up convincing wins.

“I think the key with those guys right now is that they are playing consistent tennis. They have done a good job of eliminating the unforced mistakes,” said Danzeisen. “I also think you see them managing each game better and better. A couple of those guys only have a few years of tennis under their belt and they have picked it up very quickly.”

For Jim Thorpe (0-5) – a team that entered the season with multiple freshman in staring spots – it is improving in every match so far this season, and battled the Bombers hard on the afternoon.

“We have already made so much progress. I thought Jaxson Gehris played tough today and he is just a freshman. You don’t see many freshman stating at No. 1 singles, and I thought he fought hard today and made some really nice shots,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Sam Lux. “Overall, as a team, we already looked drastically different. They are learning and getting better and I’m excited for the second half of the season, because I think we can pick up a few wins.”

The most competitive match of the day came on the No. 1 doubles court. Palmerton’s Anderson Garcia-Escobar and Kaitlyn Heimbach edged Thorpe’s Ian Walck and Maxwell Priore 7-5 in the first game, and then came back and played much stronger in the second game, blanking JT, 6-0.

“I think in that first set, they could’ve been communicating better. After that first set, we had a little talk, and they knew that had to be a little more aggressive and assertive,” said Danzeisen. “Then in the second set, you saw that. That’s another thing as a whole this team has done well this season. They have been able to adjust and work through things during a match.”

WINNING WAYS

... After opening the season 0-2, Palmerton has now won two straight matches, having topped Wilson 5-0 on Tuesday.

UP NEXT

... Palmerton travels to Southern Lehigh (3-1) today, while Jim Thorpe hosts undefeated Lehighton (5-0).

Palmerton 5, Jim Thorpe 0

SINGLES

Justin Sebelin (P) defeated Jaxson Gehris (JT) 6-1, 6-2; Riley Fallon (P) defeated Jayden Chambers (JT) 6-2, 6-2; Tyler Hager (P) defeated Alex Plesniarski (JT) 6-0, 6-0.

DOUBLES

Anderson Garcia-Escobar/Kaitlyn Heimbach (P) defeated Ian Walck/Maxwell Priore (JT) 7-5, 6-0; Palmerton won by forfeit.