IS THAT POLLEN in the air or fuzz from tennis balls?

Either way, spring is in the air, and tennis is in full swing in the Midlands. Leagues are in the midst of their first season with new age divisions.

The Columbia Tennis League Jr. Team Tennis program wrapped up the winter season with the Falcons, coached by Elliott Powell, taking the title and advancing to the USTA SC Jr. Team Tennis State Championships, which will be held in Florence in July.

The Junior Tennis League will start registration April 1. It is one of the longest-running junior tennis programs in the state and offers a great chance for players to keep up their skills during the summer.

For adults, don’t miss the Friends of Scouting Tournament at the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center. The tournament will run through Sunday, and proceeds benefit the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The tournament is in its 17th year.

The adult State Open Hardcourt Championships will enjoy a new home in Florence. The Hardcourt Championships run April 5-7. The event features both NTRP and age division play. Registration closes March 31.

In league news, mixed doubles registration has started in Columbia and Lexington. Lexington teams must have the minimum of three men and three women of the correct level by April 5; Columbia teams must have the minimum by April 15.

At the USTA Southern Combo Doubles Section Championships, two local teams won their divisions. John Alexander guided his 6.5 senior men to the title and Debbie Laney led her 8.5 senior ladies to the title. The championships were March 8-10 in Dothan, Ala., and featured teams from all nine states in the USTA Southern Section.