The Newburgh Free Academy boys’ tennis team won a Section 9 championship in doubles last year.

Now, one half of that team is gone as Aarav Shah has graduated and now attends the University of Michigan.

However, his partner for that championship run – Henry Goings-Perrot is back for his junior year, which also will mark his third year on varsity to lead the Goldbacks through the 2024 season. He’s expected to compete at first singles.

However, Shah wasn’t the only member of last year’s team to graduate. Emilian Boyer also has moved on and now attends SUNY New Paltz.

Junior Alex Cestaro is also in his third year on varsity and is expected to compete at second singles. Jake Radermacher returns for his second year as a varsity tennis player and is expected to compete at either first doubles or third singles.

Sophomore Josiah Placides is a newcomer that is expected to compete at either first doubles or third singles.

Coach Arturo Santana said the Goldbacks have a simple goal this season: to get better every match.

The Goldbacks will open their season on Wednesday with a home match against the Cornwall Dragons at Mount St. Mary College, where the Goldbacks are scheduled to play most of their home matches.

They have one match scheduled to be played at Cronomer Hill Park: on May 3 against James I. O’Neill.