A young Liberty County High School tennis team has held its own despite faving a competitive 2018 schedule.

After losing eight seniors to graduation last season, coach Sandra Eichholz’s team is currently 3-3 in girls match play and 2-4 on the boys team.

According to Eichholz, "it has been the biggest surprise to me how they have come together as a team. I really did not know what to expect this year."

With just six matches left before region tournaments, the Panthers are getting prepared to begin region play next week.

Leading the team into region competition will be captains Noah Waters and CeCe Taylor.

Playing No. 1 singles for the boys squad is freshman Christaine Bernades, a lefty who has been playing since he was 3 and counts his two-handed backhand as his greatest strength.

For the girls, Katlyn Moncada, an 11th grader, who started playing only at age 13, has garnered the No. 1 spot. Two senior standouts for the Lady Panthers are CeCe Taylor and Takiya Phillps. The Panthers will begin Region 2-AAA play on March 16 at Tattnall County High School.

The next home game for the Panthers will be March 23 against Brunswick. The Region 2-AAA tournament will be in Pierce County on April 13.

Baseball

The LCHS baseball team recently suffered a 12-1 home loss to New Hampstead. Highlights from the game were Gage Sill and Ronnie Keaton.

Patrick Underwood scored the only run for the Panthers.

Next up for the LCHS is at 1 p.m. today vs. Portal High School.

Smith covers sports for the Coastal Courier. You can reach her at coastalhack@gmail.com.