Coming off of one of the biggest wins in the history of the program with the district tournament fast approaching, the Allen High School Tennis Team is in the midst of a season that has the potential to be remembered long after its conclusion.

The team is ranked second in the 6A division with just four matches remaining and currently has a record of 16-2 overall with a perfect 6-0 record in district play.

“We have a target on our backs now,” senior Kayla Dang said. “We just have to keep working hard and fighting so that we don’t lose our place.”

The marquee win of the season came against Plano West High School on Sept. 7, as the Eagles beat the Wolves 10-9 in a match that lasted more than six hours and came down to the final game. The Eagle victory marked the first time Allen tennis has beaten Plano West in 17 years, and snapped Plano West’s 145-game district win streak dating back to 1999.

“The team went wild, it was just so crazy,” Dang said. “The team was so united. We all wanted to win, and it was clear that we all wanted it.”

The Eagles success this season has come despite the fact that 14 seniors graduated last spring. With just five seniors on the team this year, the Eagles have still found a way to build upon last year’s 15-win season.

“I know other people across the state, and other coaches in the district, thought that we were going to be down,” Head Tennis Coach Justin Quest said. “I very explicitly said to our kids and to our program prior to getting started: ‘we’re Allen. There’s no reason for us to be down.’”

The team has compiled 246 wins versus 63 loses in individual games, with only five matches remaining until the district tournament on Oct. 10 and 12. Among their remaining opponents is Highland Park, the defending 5A state champion. Highland Park has won a state title six out of the last seven years.

“The trick is to keep working hard, stay focused and stay humble,” Quest said. “Our best tennis can’t be in August and September. The great teams play in October.”

The team’s next match is against Coppell High School, ranked No. 17 in the state, on Friday.

“We’re definitely shooting for the stars this season,” senior Michael Rampulla said. “We want to win state.”