Lehighton‘s tennis team returned a strong veteran lineup this season.

That experience was on full display against Schuylkill League rival Jim Thorpe on Wednesday.

The Indians defeated the Olympians 4-1, garnering two singles and two doubles victories.

Leading the charge for Lehighton (5-3) on the afternoon was No. 1 singles player Aaron Miller. Miller put together a convincing 6-0, 6-0 victory, and continued his stellar senior campaign.

Miller – who was last year’s Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Boys Tennis Player of the Year – finished with a 9-2 record and advanced to the District 11 quarterfinals.

Miller is looking like he will certainly improve on those marks as he is already off to an 8-0 start this season.

“Aaron was definitely working a lot over the offseason. His swing and his power has just been so impressive this season,” said Lehighton head coach Cody Shuler. “It’s just been really great to see his development and improvement over these last few years. He’s got an undefeated record going so far, and I’m just so happy for all his success so far this season.”

The Indians were also able to come away with a win in No. 3 singles, as Daniel Hoppes came through with a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

The Tribe also took home a victory in No. 1 doubles, as Bayto Cokrlija and Ben Slaw earned a 6-1, 6-0 win. Lehighton’s win in No. 2 doubles came via forfeit.

“We’ve been really having a solid season so far, and we’re excited about what we can do,” said Shuler. “We returned a lot of talent and experience coming in this season, and you saw some of that today. We just want to continue to get better as the season moves forward.”

Jim Thorpe (2-7) was able to come away with one victory on the afternoon in No. 2 singles, as Samuel Seachrest earned a 6-1, 6-1 win.

The Olympians only have five players on their roster this season, but have still been competitive in their matches.

“Despite having to forfeit every No. 2 doubles match, we’ve been in a lot of matches, and our players have still played hard and competed hard,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Sam Lux. “I think we’ve gotten better, and that’s the goal. We also want to get a few more wins, but overall I’m proud of this team, and we will keep working to get better as the season goes on.”

ROLLING

... After a 1-3 start to the season, Lehighton has now won four straight matches.

ANOTHER ONE

... The two programs were set to face each other once again on Thursday as Lehighton was scheduled to host Jim Thorpe.

Lehighton 4, Jim Thorpe 1

SINGLES

Aaron Miller (L) def. Brendan McDermott (JT) 6-0, 6-0; Samuel Seachrest (JT) def. Luke Blauch (L) 6-1, 6-1; Daniel Hoppes (L) def. Haven Johnson (JT) 6-0, 6-1.

DOUBLES

Bayto Cokrlija/Ben Slaw (L) def. Jayden Chambers/Evan Rosenbrook (JT) 6-1, 6-0; Zane Smith/Owen Kovach (L) won by JT forfeit.