Through its initial three matches, the Upper Perkiomen tennis team has been unusually competitive.

        The Indians defeated Quakertown in their debut, then performed with enthusiasm and ability in losses to Pennridge and Boyertown on consecutive days last week.

        "I hope it's the sign of an improving program," head coach John Williamson said. "They were all competitive, hard-fought matches. Other than a victory, I can't ask for much more."

        According to Cooper Wright, Upper Perkiomen has relied on a group of experienced seniors who have at least three years of varsity experience to enhance the team's performance.

        "Last year I could tell we would be able to compete," said Wright, a four-year singles player in his second season as the team's No. 1 player. "This year everyone knows what they are doing."

        According to Wright, several team members spent two months preparing for the season. He said a number of players worked out at Tennis Zone in Quakertown.

        "I'm sure that played a big role in the good start," Wright said.

        Jake Vogel, the Indians' No. 3 singles player, has won his initial three matches. Williamson described the performance as a pleasant surprise.

        "Jake is mentally tough," Williamson said. "He's very athletic. He hits the ball harder than he used to, and he's got great footwork."

        The junior rallied from a first-set loss to post victories on consecutive matches last week. In the team's 5-2 non-league loss to Pennridge on March 23, Vogel dropped the initial set 6-0 to Andrew Chant. But he rebounded to take the second set in a tiebreaker, then posted a 6-2 win in the decisive set.

        The following day, in a 4-3 loss to visiting Boyertown in the Pioneer Athletic Conference, Vogel dropped his first set to Owen Kuling 6-3. However, he won the final two sets – including a tiebreaker in the decisive set – to remain undefeated.

        The Indians' No. 2 doubles team, made up by juniors Josh Landis and Jake Dockery, registered a straight set victory in the match.

        The No. 4 doubles team of Thomas Andrasek and Cody Wolfe won both their matches last week.

        Devin Howe and Freedom Coburn are Upper Perkiomen's top doubles team. Paul Chapelle and Kyle Nock have been competing at No.3 doubles.

        The team's top three singles players, including No. 2 Justin Weber, usually face challenging opposition. Wright, who relies on a solid forehand and is working to develop a more consistent serve, prefers to wait out his opposition with long volleys.

        "The season is going well so far," said Wright, who fell to 0-3 on Thursday. "The team is doing well. I would like to win some matches."

        According to Williamson, Wright can hit the ball pretty hard "when he wants to." The coach added that sometimes the player allows his emotions to get the best of him.

        Wright, who learned to play tennis with his grandfather, said he didn't take the game as seriously as he should have when he initially joined the Indians.

        "Now I'm a senior," he said. "And considering the level of competition I have to face, I can't joke around anymore."