After watching his doubles team of Bekim Cokrlija and Jed Cordes advance to the District 11 semifinals, Lehighton first-year head coach Andrew Hozza didn’t hold back his candid and content feelings.

“The two played like a team and were in sync the entire time,” said Hozza. “It was fun watching them celebrate points together, laugh off mistakes, and just show off their positive personalities and have fun while playing.”

The Lehighton tandem, seeded sixth, easily disposed of Bethlehem Catholic’s duo of Kendryck Silva and Ralston Rowlands 6-0, 6-0, in their opening match at the Class 2A doubles tournament at Lehigh University Tuesday afternoon.

The two then outlasted Allentown Central Catholic’s third-seeded team of Tommy Spinosa and Zach Abbadessa 6-3 3-6, 6-3. That pushed them into Thursday’s semifinals back at Lehigh Thursday against Blue Mountain’s Evan Burcik and Evan Bixler.

In another local 2A match, Bethlehem Catholic’s team of Liam Maloney and Derrick Hartman downed Palmerton’s duo of Colton Ruzicka and Anderson Garcia-Escobar, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3). In 3A, Pleasant Valley’s duo of John Hargrave and Klein fell 6-0, 6-0 to Southern Lehigh’s Ahnert and Bozorgnia.

Hozza was impressed with his team’s opening match, as they gained control from the opening volley.

“We got off to a fast start,” said Hozza. “We were hitting their volleys really well and our ground strokes were solid.”

From there, Hozza noted that the chance to scout their second opponent proved to be invaluable.

“The ACC team had a three-set first match, so we could watch some of that and then game plan,” emphasized Hozza. “Our guys had a terrific game plan and executed it perfectly to start the match and give themselves a 4-1 lead.

“ACC started to adjust and played a nice second set, but Bekim and Jed adjusted in the third set and ran away with it for an impressive and thrilling match win.”

Hozza believed both Cokrlija and Cordes were at the top of their games.

“Bekim had perfectly placed volleys and his net play was the best I have ever seen,” said Hozza. “Jed played very consistent with his great ground strokes, and even hit some down-the-line winners.”

Like his coach, Cokrlija also had a similar view of the match.

At the beginning, keeping a loose approach was the key.

“I had a great warm-up with my partner, and we were there just to have fun,” said Cokrlija.

“Our first match was good to get an understanding of how we play together, and to get us ready for the upcoming match.”

From there, Cokrlija was confident they could finish out the day.

“ACC seemed like they were ready to beat us quickly, but we came out on fire. We had an early 4-1 lead and finished the first set at 6-3. We ended up losing the second set since they figured us out more, but the third set we figured them out.

“We started out with aggressive down-the-alley shots off the serves that worked very well. We went up 4-3, and took it home from there.”

Overall, Cokrlija knew it was a productive and pleasing afternoon.

“We played amazing overall,” said Cokrlija. “Out of 27 total games, I lost my serve game once. That really pushed us to keep the momentum throughout the match. Jed hit his forehand with confidence and precision, allowing me to finish off points when I could.”

Palmerton head coach Jenn Danzeisen watched her team try to find their niche on the court after they appeared well prepared coming into the match.

“They were nervous in the first set, but came back hitting in the second,” said Danzeisen. “They were winning 5-1, and then started losing points.

“Their No. 1 player was a hard hitter and knew where to place it. Then they just lost their footing. They played so well at practice yesterday, but couldn’t get the win today.”

Lehighton, however, will return, and the Indians’ twosome will be ready.

“I was very happy with their performance,” said Hozza.

“I am excited for them to play Blue Mountain on Thursday.”