Washington’s tennis team capped off a strong week on Wednesday. After losing a close bout to Fike then edging Greene Central on the road, the Pam Pack opened 2-A Eastern Plains Conference play with a dominant win over North Pitt.

None of Washington’s six singles competitors lost a game. Of the four the team did lose in the 9-0 sweep of the Panthers, all four came in doubles play. Greyson Schmitt and Tim Anglim won their match 8-3, and the duo of Hodges Tubaugh and Allen Crisp won 8-1.

“It’s only their second year having a team, so they’re a very young team,” coach Miranda Whitley said. “It’s nice to see our guys step up.”

While North Pitt’s program is young and outmatched by the Pam Pack, it did boast some raw skill. While Schmitt and Anglim won handedly, their opponents did highlight some things to improve on.

“We’ve still got some communication things to work on in doubles,” Whitley said. “I think we have most of our doubles pairings set up by now. We’ve just got to work on some things, and get them working together as a team in doubles.”

Communication isn’t a glaring issue. Washington is only five games into the season. McKeithan and Pagnani seemed to be on the same page, but that’s to be expected. It’s the second and third pairings that have been more fluid early in the campaign.

“It’s some net play, doubles strategy and communication,” Whitley said of the things she wants to work on before Washington’s next match, which is Tuesday against Farmville Central.

The win, while expected, is still nice to see the Pam Pack go out and take care of business. Beyond seniors Schmitt, Pagnani and McKeithan, the rest of the team is made up of sophomores and freshmen. The younger players played a vital role in getting off on the right foot in league play.

“I still think North Johnston is going to be our biggest competition,” Whitley said. She and Washington expect to take the conference championship with them when they depart the EPC after this season.