BWAC tennis showdown

Richmond’s tennis team plays at Armada on Thursday at 4 p.m. in an early Blue Water Area Conference showdown.

The host Tigers won a BWAC co-championship last season (sharing the crown with Almont), and the Blue Devils finished third in the league.

Both teams are off to strong starts this season.

Armada – “I know they’re strong up and down the lineup,” Richmond coach Mike Pearson said – won a quad that featured Macomb County powers De La Salle and Romeo. The Tigers have seven sophomores in their lineup.

Richmond, despite a 5-3 loss to Almont on Tuesday, also has won two early-season tournaments.

Sophomore Dave Schroudt leads the Blue Devils at No. 1 singles, and senior Kyle Wonsowicz has had a strong start at second singles.

Seniors J.J. Martin and Chris Gagleard form a tough combination at No. 1 doubles for Richmond.