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Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — The Decorah boys tennis team has qualified for the team state tournament, scheduled for June 3–4, and is currently ranked No. 4 in the state. But it wasn't always assumed they would make it this far. "It was a shaky start to the season," said Keaton Nalean-Carlson, a junior who just this week finished eighth at the individual state tournament in what Coach Matt Anderson called "a strong singles field." "Our confidence built over the course of the season," said Tristan Hunter, a sophomore who holds the No. 2 singles spot. "It's what our coaches have been talking about all season: confidence." The season began in early April. In their first match, the team overcame high winds and a gritty Winona Cotter squad to secure a 4–3 victory. They continued to stack up wins, but it wasn't until the match against Waverly in early May that the team truly found its footing. "That was a turning point for us," said Nalean-Carlson. "We knew we needed that win for a good seed at state." Prior to that match, Decorah was ranked No. 7, but the team has since climbed into the top five. "We're trying to show up for every match and opponent," said Liam Chamberlain, a senior who has held the No. 1 singles spot all season. Chamberlain, along with his doubles partner, fellow senior Caleb Krieg, also finished eighth at individual state. Coach Anderson said he was pleased with the performance. "The guys had a nice showing at Individual State." Now, the team is looking ahead to the state tournament with confidence. "We're as confident now as we've been all season," said Hunter. "We're taking that confidence to the tournament." Decorah will be represented by Elliot Berland, Liam Chamberlain, Aitor Cuevas, Tristan Hunter, Caleb Krieg, Keaton Nalean-Carlson, Beau Newhouse and Tyler Shaw. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.

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From 'Shaky Start' to Team State Tournament: Boys Tennis Ranked #4