Despite rain delays and setbacks at the top of the lineup during the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference boys’ tennis tournament, Bishop Ireton turned to its depth to carry it to its first title, riding a dominant performance in Monday’s final.
The Cardinals (13-1) entered the final at Southeast Tennis and Learning Center two points behind defending champ DeMatha after their top three singles players got eliminated in earlier rounds. But when freshman Ben Phelps and senior Valentino Schroeder secured early wins at No. 4 and No. 5 singles, Coach Tom Noone saw a path to the title begin to emerge.