Adam Dockery's cranky back was supposed to keep him off the tennis court for most of March. However, the Upper Perkiomen junior missed only a week and a half.

            "The physical therapy went better than expected," he said.

            Dockery's reemergence, as well as solid performances by all four doubles team,

Adam Dockery's quick recovery from a back injury has boosted Upper Perkiomen's tennis team.

has the Indians off their best start under head coach John Williamson. On Monday, they notched a 5-2 victory over Christopher Dock. They improved to 5-1 the following day with a 7-0 victory over Pottstown.

            "This is what we were hoping would happen," Williamson said. "I'm a little surprised, but it's good to see this early success come to fruition."

            Dockery, who is currently playing at No. 2 singles, says he is not shocked by the early success. He said the team is playing up to expectations.

            "We're finally living up to our billing," Dockery said.

            According to Williamson, a roster filled with experienced players is starting to come into its own.

            "A lot of our guys have played varsity last season know what to expect," the coach said.  "They are leaning how to win, and they are starting to realize how good they could be."

            Dockery's return ahead of schedule provided a high boost, according to Williamson. The player said it was especially difficult to watch his teammates compete from the sideline.

            Initially, Dockery worked hard to shake off the rust in his game. He said the layoff adversely affected his precision and timing.

            "It's starting to come back," the junior said. "My shot placement and power are pretty good."

            Dockery - who lost only two games in a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Giovanni Piergrossi on March 29 in a 7-0 win over Quakertown - will need to continue his improvement if he hopes to qualify the District One Class 3A tournament. However, he needs to finish in the Pioneer Athletic Conference's top three to qualify. Last season, he finished seventh in the PAC and won one match in the Class 2A tournament.

            On Tuesday, Dockery dominated his opponent from Pottstown. Meanwhile, his teammates were equally impressive. The Pennsburg resident defeated Bryce Cole 6-0, 6-0.

           The day before, the Dockery Pennsburg resident defeated Micah Souder, 6-1, 6-4. Eventually, Dockery - who played No. 1 singles last season - hopes to challenge Ian Costanzo for the Indians' top spot. For now, they are working together to help the Indians succeed.

            According to Dockery, who shares opponents scouting reports with Costanzo, the two will pair up for the conference's doubles tournament at the end of the season.

            Upper Perkiomen's four doubles teams have played a significant role in the team's early success. According to Dockery, the cadre has admirably filled eight spots.

            "I didn't know that would work out," the player said. "But they are playing very well. It's a good sign.

            The four teams - consisting of different combinations of players that includes Kyle Smith, Pat McHale, Febo Kilada, Ryan Miller, Jaden Fisher, Nick Caciolo, Tim Snyder, Steve Gale, Andrew Ngyuen and Aidan Hurlbrink - swept their matches in the victories over Norristown and the host Pioneers. On Tuesday against the visiting Trojans, Ngyuen and Smith, playing at No. 2 doubles, did not lose a game. 

             "All eight players in the lineup have really stepped up," Williamson said. "The teams just fell into place. Those things normally sort themselves out."

            The team concludes a busy week with a home match Wednesday against Spring-Ford and a road match Thursday against Perkiomen Valley.

             "This is week we find out how good we really are," Dockery said.