By John Baracani

Apache Sports Editor

After struggling in recent matches, the Apaches bounced back with an impressive showing at the Augustana College tournament on April 21.

Facing four-year schools, the team, led by first-year coach Eric Perez, placed a surprising third and were invited to return next season.

"We overachieved there," said Perez.

Prior to the tournament Perez's team had lost their last three matches, including a 5-4 loss to McHenry on April 15, a 6-3 decision to Rock Valley, and an 8-1 defeat at the hands of Lake County.

Although their record stands at 4-4 at press time, Coach Perez believes his team is better than that.

"We could be 7-1 right now," he said. "A couple of matches here and there we kind of gave up."

The Apaches are led by the talented trio of Chris Ford, Scott Grabowski, and Ryan Myers, who each have lost two matches.

"If they aren't the top three in the region, they are second for sure," said Perez. "They've all lost close ones."

The final three players, Nathan Holmes, Travis Klein, and Nathan Tolley, have also been very competitive, according to the coach.

"They are coming along like we want them to," he said.

The Apaches had two matches earlier this week, one against Joliet on Tuesday and the other against DuPage on Wednesday.

The season comes to an end when the Regionals begin on May 4. The top two teams in the tournament advance, and Perez believes his team is right near the top.