Since March, the Saint Ignatius varsity tennis team has been pushing hard every day in anticipation of this time of year.

The efforts of the Tennis Cats are paying off now in spades.

The Wildcats will send six men to the District Tournament on Thursday after an exceptional weekend at the Sectional Tournament at Oberlin College. In large part, the Tennis Cats cruised, as they did as a team for the regular season.

In the singles bracket, Drew Barclay occupied the No. 1 seed. The junior started off the tournament quite well, rolling to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Evan Ohliger of St. Edward. Barclay then won by default to head into the title bout. Jack McNally, the No. 2 seed, stormed past Frankie Ricaurte of Westlake in the first round, 6-2, 6-1, before defeating Avon Lake's Barkin Celik, 6-2, 6-1.

Barclay and McNally, having already secured district spots, fought primarily for bragging rights in the championship match. In a spirited contest, McNally secured the 7-5, 6-2 triumph to earn sectional champ honors. 

In doubles play, Arjun Brahmbhatt and Brian Zhu paired up to form the No. 1 seeded duo. The sophomore and senior earned a double-bagel in the first round, 6-0, 6-0 over Westlake. The Wildcats' doubles team then snatched a 6-2, 6-1 win over Avon Lake's squad to advance to the title bout.

Nate Day and Richie Hofstra formed the No. 2 seeded doubles squad. The freshman and senior took a 6-0, 6-0 win in the first round before capturing a 6-3, 6-3 win over Westlake's squadron to roll into the title match. 

In a battle of two Wildcat duos, Brahmbhatt and Zhu came out with a hard-fought win. The top pair earned a 7-5, 6-1 victory to claim the sectional title. 

Jack Showman also represented the Wildcats at Sectionals, but did not secure a District spot. Showman lost in the second round to a foe from North Olmsted, 4-6, 2-6. 

The Wildcats will take part in the District Tournament on Thursday. More info to come soon.

In the meantime, well-done, Tennis Cats!