Tharun Raju, Anson Bernard qualify for IHSAA State Tennis Doubles

The Ames boys tennis doubles team of Tharun Raju and Anson Bernard clinched a spot at the 2023 IHSAA State Doubles Tournament. The duo entered the day seeded fourth in the 12-team district.

Raju/Bernard edged out Ankeny’s Legg/Bovee doubles team (7-5, 6-3) in the second round to set up a clash with Des Moines Roosevelt’s top-seeded team of Kempkes/Bright. A third-set victory placed the Little Cyclone squad into the finals and securing a bid at the state tournament. Raju/Bernard fell to Dowling Catholic’s Frye/Wanek tandem to take second.

Tharun Raju, a junior, is back at the state tournament for the second time in his career. As a freshman, Raju went as a doubles team with now assistant coach Rob Arbuckle. The duo were eliminated after two matches.

The tournament takes place May 23-24 at the Hawkeye Tennis & Recreation Center in Iowa City. More information can be found at the IHSAA Boys Tennis State Tournament Central page.