PRAIRIE VILLAGE ? Boosted by its doubles duos, Free State High’s boys tennis team earned the highest placing in the school’s five-year history at the Sunflower League meet, finishing in a tie for third Tuesday at Shawnee Mission East.

“Third place is the highest boys team finish that we’ve ever had,” FSHS coach Jon Renberger said, “and to be only a few points out of second is a huge step for the program.”

The Lancers won the championship with 45 points, followed by SM Northwest with 35 points and the Firebirds and Olathe East at 31 points. Lawrence High finished sixth despite not having an entry at No. 2 singles.

The Lions were led by junior Scott Elwell, who went 2-1 to earn runner-up honors at No. 1 singles.

“Scott Elwell played his guts out today,” LHS coach Dick Wedel said. “It is a clichbut Scott left it all on the court today. He tried his hardest, changed tactics when Plan A did not work, hung in for the whole match. I am hugely proud of him.”

Elwell will be the top seed at regionals on Monday at Lawrence Tennis Center.

Free State’s No. 1 doubles team of juniors Ben Cropp and Matt Schwabauer also was 2-1 to finish second. The Firebirds’ No. 2 tandem of juniors Eyad Safadi and Eric Sheu finished third after winning two of three matches.

“Our singles play was a little shaky,” Renberger said, “but the doubles came through for us with some big wins.”

The LHS duo of junior Owe Rambau and senior Jon Weygint placed third at No. 1 doubles after going 2-1.

“Owe and Jon have turned out to be a pretty good doubles team,” Wedel said. “I imagine they will sleep well tonight because they played three hard matches. I was very pleased that they concentrated better than in previous matches. They kept their heads in it for the whole match.”