Free State High sophomore Ian Pultz-Earle and freshman Erik Czapinski have clicked in their first tennis season as doubles partners.

They took fourth place at No. 1 doubles in the Sunflower League meet and third at regionals on Monday. Now they’re looking to save their best performance for last when they start play in the Class 6A state tournament at 11:30 a.m. today at the CBAC in Olathe.

Free State’s doubles pairing of sophomores Seamus Ryan and Jonah Pester, along with Lawrence High junior Elliott Abromeit in singles, also qualified for state. For all five city players, it will be their first time playing in the state tournament.

“It’s exciting to go this year,” Pultz-Earle said. “With the third-place finish at regionals, we have a chance to maybe be in the top-12 and stick around for the second day. That would be the goal.”

Pultz-Earle and Czapinski have combined for a 21-11 record this season and know they can compete with some of the top pairings when they are playing at their best.

“Making the second day is a big deal,” FSHS coach Oather Strawderman said. “You’re a state medalist. Top half of the qualifiers. So that’s always kind of a goal for us, and I think it’s a realistic goal for both of the teams to be there the second day.”

Ryan and Pester (15-12) took fifth at regionals and have improved as the season has progressed. They also finished third at league in No. 2 doubles.

“It took a lot out of Seamus and I to get to state so we’ll just see how far we get,” Pester said. “I’m thrilled with how well we’ve done so far.”

What’s helped Ryan and Pester play so well this year?

“I think we cover up for each other’s weaknesses,” Pester said. “I feel like I’m probably better at the net when he’s better at the baseline. So it works out.”

Despite no state experience, Free State’s doubles teams are used to playing in big meets against top competition. For Pultz-Earle and Czapinski, they could play some common faces.

“It’s interesting because we were looking at the teams we’ve lost to this year and all of those teams are there at state this week,” Strawderman said. “It’s going to be a good opportunity for those kids to have a little payback possibly.”

Abromeit, who owns a 17-12 record, qualified for state after placing sixth at regionals. He said making state was a goal he’s had since freshman year and now he’s hoping to make the most of it.

“I don’t want to put any extra pressure on him,” LHS coach Chris Marshall said after regionals. “He’s got one more year as a senior next year, so we’re going to treat this as a learning experience. We’ll see what we can do there and use that experience and take that next step as a senior.”