Teaming up has turned out to be the best move Shorecrest’s Max Wadum and Jonathan Tat have made all season.

The duo took second at last weekend’s Northwest District 3A doubles tournament to earn a berth to the 2003 state championships in the spring.

Following a three-set loss to Bellingham’s Brian Beaumont and Eddie Estrada for the district championship, Wadum and Tat downed Sehome’s Adam Hall and Aaron Dvorak 6-4, 6-2 in a winner-to-state, loser-out match Nov. 2 at the Bellingham Tennis Club.

“They really bounced back and played well,” Shorecrest coach Jeff Allen said. “They were a little disappointed after losing in the finals. They felt they could have played better.”

Wadum, a senior, played No. 1 singles for the Scots during the regular season and Tat, a freshman, spent most of the year at No. 2. In the short time they’ve played together, the teammates have proven to be a cunning combination.

They placed first at the league doubles tournament and won their first two district matches in straight sets to advance to the finals.

“It’s a little unusual for a senior and a freshman to combine,” Allen said. “But they complement each other very well.”