NTL BOYS TENNIS: COED SQUAD GIVES TOWANDA A BOOST (March 19, 2026)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
Towanda boys’ tennis will be a co-ed team this year as they look to be competitive in the NTL. The Knights return just two from last year’s team, but will also get some veteran players from the girls’ squad, which wasn’t able to field a team this past fall.

“I was very bummed when I learned we weren’t going to have a season, but Lucy told me I could play with the boys,” said Emma Ackley. “I was very excited.”

Ackley has been playing tennis for years but this will be the first time she laces it up against the boys.

“I’m excited but nervous,” she said. “They are much more aggressive, I have to up my game. Their serves are a lot different, and I have to change my mindset a little bit.”

She said the team goal is to get everyone a letter, while her goal is to improve her serves.

“My serves have been a little rough,” remarked Ackley.

Fellow senior Bayley Poll returns with high expectations.

“I want to make states,” Poll said. “If I can’t do that I at least want to the make the district semifinals.”

He’s battled down at districts for years.

“I know what to expect from the competition down there,” remarked Poll.

He’s also been working on his skills in the off season.

“I’ve done some summer tournaments to get ready,” Poll said.

Him and Matrix McCarter are the two returnees from last year’s team, while Ackley, and Dalila Vega competed on the girls’ team back in 2024.

They have one sophomore on the team in Ethan Lane, to go with four freshmen - Kellen Colton, Brody Hennessy, Levi Snyder, and Travyn Lewis. Colton has been working out with the program for the last two years.

ROSTER (Grade)
Bayley Poll (12)
Matrix McCarter (12)
Emma Ackley (12)
Dalila Vega (11)
Ethan Lane (10)
Kellen Colton (9)
Brody Hennessy (9)
Levi Snyder (9)
Travyn Lewis (9)
Carter Buchanan (7) Manager

SCHEDULE
Mar 19 vs Galeton, 4 p.m.
Mar 24 at NPL, 4 p.m.
Mar 31 vs Wellsboro, 4 p.m.
April 2 vs Central Columbia, 4 p.m.
April 7 vs CV, 4 p.m.
April 9 at Galeton, 4 p.m.
April 11 vs South Williamsport, 4 p.m.
April 14 vs NPL, 4 p.m.
April 20 at South Williamsport, 4 p.m.
April 21 at Wellsboro, 4 p.m.

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