The 2026 FVHS mens tennis season is entering the playoffs, and the conference champions are looking for a strong run through the regional then the state tournaments.
The Bengals had an incredibly strong conference season, winning a team conference title during the regular season, as well as having the singles conference champion and the doubles conference champions.
This year’s singles conference champion is junior Holden de Vente. De Vente has a record of 20-2 this year in singles and doubles, with a 13-1 record in singles alone.
For doubles, this year was championed by junior Colton Mendler and senior Porter Reese. Together they have a record of 13-3 and a conference title.
Between the duo of Reese and Mendler and de Vente in singles, the Bengals are well set for the individual playoffs, with regionals set to occur May 1.
Reese said, “It’s very possible to do [well at states], we just need to play our game.”
The team as a whole went 15-0 in duals, with only their match against Cary being closer than a five point difference. Their perfect record gave the Bengals a bye through the first round of the team playoffs, and a #2 seed in the tournament.
The Bengals will now go on to play against #18 Overhills, which should be an easy matchup, as the Bengals have a significantly better record, both as a team, and for the individuals. Although it is important to note that you should never take an opponent lightly.
“The playoffs are so unpredictable so it’s hard to say how we’ll perform. You play teams outside your region you’ve never seen before, so it’s tough. But I think we match up well against anybody in 7A,” said head coach Marshall Wortham.
If the Bengals win against Overhills, they will advance to the third round of the playoffs and face the winner of the New Hanover and Lumberton match on May 4.
The Bengals will take on Overhills tomorrow, April 29 at home. Come on out and support your conference champion Bengals.
