Sure, the record books might show that MMI Prep defeated Jim Thorpe on Thursday afternoon.

But what was the season opening match for both schools allowed Olympians' head coach Norb Lienhard to finally see his team in action. And, despite losing 5-0, early returns on this year's squad were positive."I liked what I saw here today because MMI is a very good team, from top to bottom," Lienhard remarked. "They didn't have any weak kids, and we were able to stay with them and have a lot of close matches."I was happy with how the kids played for it being the first time they're out here going against somebody. We were out here a few times practicing, but playing someone is completely different. And to their credit, they worked hard and didn't give up. Not one of them gave up."MMI (1-0), which has also struggled to find time on the court, looked sharp in sweeping the three singles' matches along with the two doubles' contests. Head coach Mark Dryfoos credited his team's sound play to an unlikely source."We've spent a lot time playing indoor soccer to improve our footwork, and I think it's definitely helped," Dryfoos said. "That's such an important aspect of the game. You can always refine a swing or technique, but it all starts with the footwork."It was clear that time had paid dividends for MMI, which dropped only one set in the match.Nick Vilov claimed a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Jim Thorpe's John Lowin in the No. 1 singles match, while Billy Spear defeated the Olympians' Luke Eggert 7-5, 6-3 and Jonathan Smith triumphed over Brett Luicana 6-0, 7-5 at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively."I was very, very happy with how we played today," Dryfoos said. "You never know what to expect that first time out, but they come out and did a great job. I'm very proud of them."Though Lowin, Eggert and Luicana all dropped their singles' contests in straight sets, the three gave Lienhard plenty to look forward to with their play and ability to adapt throughout their matches."John played well for his first time at No. 1," Lienhard said of Lowin, who moved up from his projected spot as the Olympians' No. 2 singles' player. "That could have gone either way, and he stuck with it and had some really nice shots."And Luke, who has had trouble with his forehand, was able correct it during the match, which is great. And Brett was able to change his strategy for the second set to really make a nice comeback."It was good that they were all thinking out there, and that's what I'm really happy about."Jim Thorpe's (0-1) No. 1 doubles' team of Shaun DiCostanzo and Roaman Raytsis took the first set of their match against Lew Dryfoos and Michael Eisenhart, but the duo was unable to build off of that momentum, falling 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.MMI's Eric Degenhart and Evan Spear swept Luke Carter and Chris Widdicombe 6-4, 6-0 in their No. 2 doubles' contest."These doubles teams are all new to each other," Lienhard said. "They're getting the feel for how they play individually, and how their partner plays. It will take a few matches, but I think they'll start gelling."Overall, I'm very happy. Any little step is a good step."MMI Prep 5, Jim Thorpe 0SINGLESNick Vilov (MMI) def. John Lowin 6-4, 6-1; Billy Spear (MMI) def. Luke Eggert 7-5, 6-3; Jonathan Smith (MMI) def. Brett Luicana 6-0, 7-5.DOUBLESLew Dryfoos/Michael Eisenhart (MMI) def. Shaun DiCostanzo/Roaman Raytsis 3-6, 6-3, 6-1; Eric Degenhart/Evan Spear (MMI) def. Luke Carter/Chris Widdicombe 6-4, 6-0.