Wednesday's announcement that Villa Maria Academy won't enroll male students after the 2008-09 academic year brought attention to its existing athletic programs.

Its basketball and baseball teams, in particular.

Overlooked, though, is the eventual demise of the Victors' boys tennis team. Coached by Rick Harden, Villa is on the cusp of what could its final season on the local courts.

Harden, a 60-year old pro at the Westwood Racquet Club, enjoyed his first experience coaching at the scholastic level last spring. The Victors finished 5-8 overall and were 3-7 in Region 2.

“I know boys who are currently sophomores and juniors there that would like to keep playing,” he said. “I hope we can somehow continue, but it's not my call.”

The Villa boys are scheduled to open their 2009 season at Harbor Creek on March 27.

Read more about the imminent end of the Villa Maria boys athletics program.

-- Mike Copper