Mustang Tennis Roster Is New, Win Record Isn't

Mainland Regional High School's boys tennis team has a revamped lineup but is still finding success early in the season.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:20am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant primary colors, breaking down the forms and movements of a high school tennis match into abstract shapes and planes.A cubist interpretation of the competitive energy and strategic movements of a high school tennis match.Ocean City Today

The Mainland Regional High School boys tennis team has started the season 6-1, despite having six of its seven varsity positions filled by new players. Head coach Chris Connolly is proud of the team's effort and progress, as they look to compete for the Cape-Atlantic League title and the South Jersey Group III championship once again.

Why it matters

Mainland Regional has been a dominant force in local high school tennis, winning the Cape-Atlantic League title and the South Jersey Group III championship in recent years. The team's ability to reload with new players and continue winning is a testament to the program's strength and the development of young talent.

The details

The Mustangs' new-look lineup includes junior Luigi Batioja at first singles, sophomore Laksh Patel at second singles, and senior Owen Medland holding down third singles. In doubles, juniors Jacob Reynolds and Liam Blake are at second doubles, while sophomores Ben Kahn and Vikram Bansal make up the first doubles team. Despite the changes, the Mustangs have already defeated several strong opponents, including rival Ocean City in a close 3-2 match.

  • The Mustangs began the season 6-1 on April 15, 2026.
  • The Mustangs defeated Ocean City 3-2 on April 15, 2026.
  • The Mustangs will travel to Ocean City for a rematch on April 24, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The players

Chris Connolly

The head coach of the Mainland Regional High School boys tennis team.

Luigi Batioja

A junior playing first singles for the Mustangs, moving up from second singles last year.

Laksh Patel

A sophomore moving up from first doubles to play second singles for the Mustangs.

Owen Medland

A senior playing third singles, the only returning player in the same position as last year.

Chase Bowman

The first singles player for the Ocean City Red Raiders, who defeated Laksh Patel at second singles.

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What they’re saying

“We lost four starters from last year. We have a lot of new people and new positions.”

— Chris Connolly, Head Coach

“This is his third year in varsity. He's just the pure tennis guy; he enjoys tennis. He's got his hat backwards like the old-school '90s tennis players, so it's awesome for him.”

— Chris Connolly, Head Coach

“Going from doubles to singles takes a little time, but he's definitely gearing up for that very intellectual game.”

— Chris Connolly, Head Coach

What’s next

The Mustangs will travel to Ocean City for a rematch against the Red Raiders on April 24, 2026 at 4 p.m.

The takeaway

Despite losing four starters from last year's team, the Mainland Regional High School boys tennis program has reloaded with new talent and is still finding success early in the season. The team's ability to develop young players and maintain a high level of play is a testament to the strength of the program and the dedication of the coaching staff.