With under three months of play under his belt, Maki faces a crowd-favorite opponent with his doubles partner Toma in the club's one last chance to stay alive.
The day of the tournament has come at last and it's time to find out if everyone's hard work can win them a single match to save the club from getting disbanded.
Once the club finds out their first opponent in the tournament bracket, they're forced to use unconventional tactics to scout out an elite player they'll be facing.
Maki and Toma face off in an intense match against Misaki's ace pair. The club is later surprised by their advisor who suggests they skip practice and take a little break.
When pressed for the truth, Maki confides in Toma and they take a stand against Kenji. Later, Rintaro admits that he's been a burden in more ways than one.
Toma's frustration with the team boils over after pairing up with Maki for a few practice games. Maki later learns about Itsuki's family situation after he lashes out at a bully.
Maki's first day of practice is not only brutal, but eye-opening for the entire team. Tensions rise when he calls out the others for their lack of effort.
When an old friend moves into town, team captain Toma has a plan to save the boys' soft tennis club that's in danger of being disbanded for how awful it is.