In the game with ... Princess Anne's tennis team

VIRGINIA BEACH

The Princess Anne boys tennis team is undefeated so far this season in Beach District play.

But after a loss in last year's Group AAA state semifinals, the Cavaliers are looking beyond the district and Eastern Region tournament.

"This is the best chance we've had in a long time to win states, " said Eric Solis, Princess Anne'sNo. 5 player in singles.

So far, so good.

The Cavaliers are 7-0 in Beach District matches heading into today's contest against First Colonial. Princess Anne has won five matches by 9-0 scores, topped Tallwood 8-1 and defeated Cox 6-3.

The Cavaliers' success, though, hasn't come with a top-heavy lineup.

In a March 23 victory over Cox, Princess Anne's Sam Stearney, Connor Hoerr, Solis and Wesley Fox won in singles, with Fox winning in three sets at No. 6.

And Solis, a senior who hasn't lost a match since his freshman year, would be a No. 1 on many teams in South Hampton Roads, according to coach Hutch Hammond.

The reason Solis isn't playing higher is that the Cavaliers are loaded with talent. Hoerr, Stearney, Grant Cutchin and Kevin Garcia have shined in the top spots, which leaves no room for Solis to move up.

That's fine with Solis, as long as Princess Anne advances farther than last season. Solis is heading to Virginia Tech in the fall, but doesn't plan to play tennis, meaning this is likely his last chance at a team title.

While admiring Solis' selflessness, Hammond also notes his tenacity.

Hammond tells the story of Princess Anne's state quarterfinal match last season at E.C. Glass. First, Solis rallied from a set down to win his singles match.

Then, playing with Fox in doubles, the duo trailed 5-1 and 40-0. From that point, they fought off eight match points en route to a 9-7 victory.

"Everyone has the will to win," Hammond said. "But sometimes you have to do things off the court to prepare you on the court and Eric does that."

Solis also has proven that the bottom of the lineup is just as important as the top.

"My team counts on me to win because I haven't lost since freshman year," Solis said. "I have a bar I have to go out and set."

Mike Connors, (757) 446-5434, michael.connors@pilotonline.com