Linn-Mar extends MVC win streak (edited)

MARION - The Linn-Mar boys tennis team is at 23 and counting.

That is how many regular-season matches the Lions have won against Mississippi Valley Conference opponents without a loss.

The Lions blanked Dubuque Hempstead, 9-0, Tuesday. They hosted Cedar Rapids Jefferson on Thursday, attempting to claim their 24th straight MVC victory.

The Lions (3-1, 2-0 MVC) won their last eight conference matches in 2009 and were 13-0 in 2010, winning their second straight MVC Division title. They are off to a 2-0 mark, blanking Dubuque Senior, 9-0, to open conference play.

"It's a big accomplishment because this conference is so deep," said Wundram, whose team hosts tough matches Saturday against Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Cedar Rapids Washington. "On any given day anybody can beat anybody. So to have that kind of streak going is nice to hang your hat on."

A number of variables factor in being able to stay unbeaten in a strong conference. Wundram said players have made an effort to work on conditioning and devoted a lot of time to improving their games during the offseason and after practices. A little luck doesn't hurt either.

"To be honest the ball has to bounce your way sometimes, too," said Wundram, recalling some matches where the team had to win two super tiebreakers to salvage a win. "It's hard work."

The streak is more than just about wins. It's about the achievements of players before this season and joining the elite MVC programs like Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Washington and Iowa City West, according to Wundram. With only one senior in the Lions' top four players, there is potential for victories to continue.

"We hope that fuels us for the next couple years," Wundram said, "and people start associating Linn-Mar with a winning tradition.

Part of the winning stretch includes a win over Kennedy last season, snapping the Cougars 23-match MVC win streak. Now, the Lions have tied the run they helped bring to an end. McCann, who plays No. 1 singles and teams with freshman Brady Anderson for No. 1 doubles, said this year is special and is a product of the team's depth.

"From one through six, we're all pretty close and even our seventh and eighth (players) can play varsity for us," McCann said. "I think that's really important. Our one through six can get quality wins."

McCann and Blake and Gavin Young are returning starters for the Lions, who have six of their top 10 players from last year which ended a point away from the state team tournament. Kennedy ended their 2010 season, avenging that regular-season loss with a 5-4 win in the substate final.

Wundram said it "hurt" to come so close to a state berth and falling short. 

"We still think about it," Wundram said. "That's a big motivational factor for our team. Nobody forgot about it. Believe me."

The Lions sights are set on bigger things, including their first state team tournament appearance since winning the Class 2A title in 1988. A state berth would be the program's fourth.

"Our main focus is state ...," McCann said. "Our main goal is getting to state as a team and hope we can do it."

NOTE: It was incorrectly reported that Linn-Mar set the MVC record with 24 consecutive conference wins. the record is 35 straight by Iowa City West from April 2005 to April 2007.