Broadneck's Tennis Team Enjoying Another Successful Season

On a perfect spring afternoon last week, Broadneck High School's co-ed tennis team played the undefeated South River Seahawks and served them their first loss of the season, beating them 6-3.

The three-hour match had eight games being played simultaneously, boys and girls singles and doubles and then the exhibition games at the end. Throughout the afternoon, Head Coach Mike Hudson and Assistant Coach Mary Gray Sachtjen were busy going from court to court, observing each match and giving strategy advice to a player in need. The athletes not competing were cheering on their teammates or warming up for their turn on the court.

A well-executed overhand shot by Broadneck’s Jay Sachtjen secured the lead in his doubles match played with teammate Curtis Winter and a powerful forehand secured Grant Hudson’s victory over his opponent.

The Bruins have over 30 players on the team but only eight returning from last year.

"It's a fairly young team, but a strong team,” said Coach Hudson.  “A lot of the younger players had been playing for years before coming to Broadneck and we have a lot of talent on the courts."

Hudson and Sachtjen have been coaching together at Broadneck for seven years, and they've coached players with varying experience and abilities. But they've been able to keep a strong presence in the county. Last year, they finished the regular season with a record of 10-1, the loss coming from Severna Park at 5-4. Their record so far this year is 3-1, again the only loss being to Severna Park, 5-4.

Said Hudson, "We're really looking forward to a re-match with Severna Park at the county tournament."

After county play, the top six doubles and singles go on to regionals and from there, the top four will go on to the state championships.

Mia Proctor, junior, said, “Last year some of the Broadneck players were able to make it all the way to states."

“The next few matches are going to be a challenge for the team, but I think we are ready and will do well,” Hudson said, “They are a great group of kids and really work hard to improve their game.”

There are still seven more games left in regular season to play, two being rain postponements and then the greatly anticipated county match-up with rival Severna Park in May.