Thrilling home win against rival Roxbury Latin!
Today had all the elements of one of the best days possible for Groton boys tennis: a talented opponent, Roxbury Latin; a beautiful, picture-picture afternoon; courts that were in excellent condition; lots of fans, including parents, both from RL and Groton; returning varsity alumni (Gabe Scholl, Andrew Yang, Aaron Jin, Bill Vrattos); and, most importantly, a team that was ready to rise to the occasion.
And the boys, indeed, delivered, big time. In doubles, Griffin Gura and Trip Wight got Groton an early victory, winning decisively at #3. The boys served and volleyed well, taking charge from the very beginning. Meanwhile, Captains Jared Gura and Ben Jones had their hands full at #1, losing to a talented rival. The doubles point, then, hinged on the shoulders of Captain Larry Li and Will Vrattos at #2. The match went back and forth until Groton eeked out a 9-7 win. Will seemed "on fire" with his returns and volleys throughout the match.
After another team huddle, it was time for singles. Groton took an early lead at #1, was down in the first sets at #2 and #3, was even at #4 and #5 and led at #6. As usual with Roxbury Latin, a victory would not come easily. At #1, Larry Li continued to play brilliantly, winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2 against a strong opponent. Groton now had a 2-0 lead in the match.
At #2, Jared dropped the first set, while at #3, Ben fought back to win his. Meanwhile, at #4 and #5, both Trip Wight and Griffin Gura lost their first sets narrowly. Fortunately, at #6, Jack Lionette took his first set, 6-2.
Onto the remaining sets! Trip ended up losing his second set closely. Groton now led 2-1. Jared then captured the second set, thanks to superb shotmaking and keen concentration, which sent his contest into a deciding ten-point tie-breaker. Jared stormed to a 6-1 lead. His opponent fought back, yet Jared eventually closed out the match. Groton now led 3-1.
Ben Jones sealed the deal for Groton, winning his match 7-5, 6-3. His play got stronger and stronger throughout the afternoon. It was a virtuoso performance. Groton now had clinched the match, 4-1. Jack Lionette added a further margin of victory with a stylish 6-2, 6-1 victory at #6. Roxbury Latin took the final match of the afternoon at #5 against Griffin Gura.
Coach Conner seemed overwhelmed with emotion as he congratulated his players. A final team huddle included the players plus four alumni racquetsmen (a standing privilege for all varsity alumni who come to a match). Reflected Señor: "This win was truly one for the ages. Because of COVID-19, it has been three long years since we last played Roxbury Latin. In 2019, they beat us in West Roxbury, 4-3, winning the very final set in a tiebreaker. It was so satisfying today to secure this victory."
A few days before the match, a recent graduate, Captain Powers Trigg, had sent a very special missive to Señor Conner, reflecting on the opportunities of playing a great team like Roxbury Latin. He gave permission for his words to be read to the team. Among his wonderful thoughts: "You want to play the best in the league in front of a packed crowd. It's what you live for as a Groton tennis player. The greater the pressure, the greater the opportunity for greatness. It continues to amaze me how much utility I've gotten out of the principles I learned from you and my teammates as a Groton racquetsman. Best of luck this Saturday."
The team clearly took his thoughts to heart.
Headmaster Maqubela sent congratulations immediately after the match from a Groton School event in London. There was truly a lot to celebrate. And now? Long Weekend. The squad is ready for a well-deserved rest. Next week's schedule includes a home match against Tabor, an away contest with Andover, and a home match with Nobles.
Back
And the boys, indeed, delivered, big time. In doubles, Griffin Gura and Trip Wight got Groton an early victory, winning decisively at #3. The boys served and volleyed well, taking charge from the very beginning. Meanwhile, Captains Jared Gura and Ben Jones had their hands full at #1, losing to a talented rival. The doubles point, then, hinged on the shoulders of Captain Larry Li and Will Vrattos at #2. The match went back and forth until Groton eeked out a 9-7 win. Will seemed "on fire" with his returns and volleys throughout the match.
After another team huddle, it was time for singles. Groton took an early lead at #1, was down in the first sets at #2 and #3, was even at #4 and #5 and led at #6. As usual with Roxbury Latin, a victory would not come easily. At #1, Larry Li continued to play brilliantly, winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2 against a strong opponent. Groton now had a 2-0 lead in the match.
At #2, Jared dropped the first set, while at #3, Ben fought back to win his. Meanwhile, at #4 and #5, both Trip Wight and Griffin Gura lost their first sets narrowly. Fortunately, at #6, Jack Lionette took his first set, 6-2.
Onto the remaining sets! Trip ended up losing his second set closely. Groton now led 2-1. Jared then captured the second set, thanks to superb shotmaking and keen concentration, which sent his contest into a deciding ten-point tie-breaker. Jared stormed to a 6-1 lead. His opponent fought back, yet Jared eventually closed out the match. Groton now led 3-1.
Ben Jones sealed the deal for Groton, winning his match 7-5, 6-3. His play got stronger and stronger throughout the afternoon. It was a virtuoso performance. Groton now had clinched the match, 4-1. Jack Lionette added a further margin of victory with a stylish 6-2, 6-1 victory at #6. Roxbury Latin took the final match of the afternoon at #5 against Griffin Gura.
Coach Conner seemed overwhelmed with emotion as he congratulated his players. A final team huddle included the players plus four alumni racquetsmen (a standing privilege for all varsity alumni who come to a match). Reflected Señor: "This win was truly one for the ages. Because of COVID-19, it has been three long years since we last played Roxbury Latin. In 2019, they beat us in West Roxbury, 4-3, winning the very final set in a tiebreaker. It was so satisfying today to secure this victory."
A few days before the match, a recent graduate, Captain Powers Trigg, had sent a very special missive to Señor Conner, reflecting on the opportunities of playing a great team like Roxbury Latin. He gave permission for his words to be read to the team. Among his wonderful thoughts: "You want to play the best in the league in front of a packed crowd. It's what you live for as a Groton tennis player. The greater the pressure, the greater the opportunity for greatness. It continues to amaze me how much utility I've gotten out of the principles I learned from you and my teammates as a Groton racquetsman. Best of luck this Saturday."
The team clearly took his thoughts to heart.
Headmaster Maqubela sent congratulations immediately after the match from a Groton School event in London. There was truly a lot to celebrate. And now? Long Weekend. The squad is ready for a well-deserved rest. Next week's schedule includes a home match against Tabor, an away contest with Andover, and a home match with Nobles.
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