The way the Jim Thorpe girls tennis team has come out swinging, it could be headed for a bonus season.

Trying to eclipse last year’s school-record 13 victories will be a tremendous challenge, but so far the Olympians have been up to the task.

Thorpe improved its record to 4-1 on Tuesday by battling past an always formidable Hazleton squad, 4-1.

The Olympians swept doubles play and also recorded a pair of singles victories, including an impressive performance from junior Trista Gehris.

“She’s been our biggest surprise this season,” said Olympian coach Norb Lienhard. “She has provided us with really good play at No. 3 singles.”

Gehris isn’t taking things for granted.

“Last year, I was the seventh player in our lineup,” said Gehris after sweeping past Sydney Shoemaker in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. “I’m pretty confident right now. Things are falling into place. I just have to keep working at it.”

Gehris has improved in every facet of the game, Lienhard said.

“Trista has come up big for us,” he said. “Her serve was on today.”

One of the best matches of the day came at No. 2 singles. Jim Thorpe’s Kaitlyn O’Neil looked dead in the water after getting racked up 6-4 in the first set. But she came out storming in the second set and went on to stun Maddie Terreanccino. O’Neil posted a 6-3 win in the second set and then captured the super tie-breaker, 10-6.

“Wow, was that a big win for Kaitlyn,” said Lienhard. “Kaitlyn refused to quit. She went up against a pretty good player and found a way to win.”

The way things have started, Lienhard is more than happy, he’s elated.

“I really didn’t know how we were going to fair coming into the season,” he said. “But so far we’ve done a great job.”

Evelyn Flores and Gabby Nunez teamed up to defeat Angelina Hsiao and Jasmine Van Camp, 6-1, 6-3 at No. 1 doubles. The Olympians team of Chloe Getz and Sophia Samoleski received a forfeit at No. 2 doubles.

TOUGH SERVING … When Gehris’ serve is on it reflects her whole game. Being a southpaw she puts a spin on the ball that causes the opposing player to have troubles. “There aren’t too many lefties for players to practice against and that creates a problem for the other girls,” said Lienhard.

WINNING WAYS … The Olympians also own wins over Notre Dame, East Stroudsburg, Pottsville and Tamaqua. The lone loss was to an always tough Salisbury team.

OUT FOR THE SEASON … Tara McClean, sister of Jim Thorpe No. 1 singles player Christy McClean, is lost for the season having injured her knee in a cheerleading competition. Taylor Saba hasn’t been cleared to play just yet nursing an injury as well.

Jim Thorpe 4, Hazleton 1

SINGLES

Alyssa Mazurek (H) def. Christy McLean 6-1, 6-2; Kaitlyn O’Neil (JT) def. Maddie Terreaccino 4-6, 6-3, 10-6; Trista Gehris (JT) def. Sydney Shoemaker 6-1, 6-1.

DOUBLES

Evelyn Flores/Gabby Nunez (JT) def. Anjolina Hsiao/Jasmine VanCamp 6-1, 6-3; Sophia Samoleski/Kaylinn Trine (JT) won by forfeit.