Another win for the ages: Groton 4 - Exeter 3
Groton headed to Exeter on a cool, slightly drizzly afternoon to take on an extremely talented Exeter squad indoors. The courts, on the inner circle of a beautiful track, would provide the setting for one of the most dramatic victories in Groton School tennis history.
Exeter came out very strong in doubles, winning both at number #3 vs. Co-Captain Jack Lionette and Michael Lu and at #1 vs. Griffin Gura and Trip Wight. Their players were aggressive, volleying crisply and serving well. Though Groton won at #2 (Co-Captains Larry Li and Will Vrattos), after doubles, the score stood Exeter 1 - Groton 0.
The top four singles players then took the courts, and it was clear that Groton had its hands full. The Exeter boys seemed to have a strong game plan to further their lead. But, not so fast! Griffin Gura got the Zebras on the scoreboard with a sparkling straight set win. His groundstrokes simply were lethal. Groton 1 - Exeter 1. The next match off the courts was #4. Jack Lionette won his first set in a tie-breaker against an extremely steady opponent. Jack's fitness and mental strength provided the path to victory in the second set by a score of 6-0. Groton 2 - Exeter 1. Meanwhile, Trip Wight (#2) and his opponent split sets, which sent their match into a 10-point tiebreaker. Exeter, unfortunately, prevailed, 11-9. Groton 2 - Exeter 2.
Larry Li (#1) was battling valiantly at number 1 against a very strong opponent. He lost the first set, but stormed back to capture the second in a tie-breaker. Another tiebreaker (now ten point) would begin to decide the victor, but, alas, Exeter came out on top, 10-7. Exeter 3 - Groton 2.
So, Groton would need the final two matches! Will Vrattos would be at #5, while newcomer to the varsity squad, Michael Lu, was at #6. An enthusiastic crowd was gathering to witness the end of this tight match. Michael played with remarkable accuracy and focus. His serves, volleys and placement of groundstrokes opened up many possibilities for winning points. He stayed calm and confident, hallmarks of this Groton team. The result? A brilliant straight-set victory. The match was now tied: 3-3.
Everything would fall on the shoulders of Will Vrattos, who had won the first set convincingly. Unfortunately, his worthy opponent battled back to win the second set. One set apiece! A ten point tiebreaker would determine the winner of the entire Groton - Exeter match. Will simply dug deep, placing balls shrewdly, running down every single ball that came his way. He took a slight lead, and then a longer lead, yet his opponent started to battle back. Yet, with a match point at 9-7, Will forced an error on his opponent. Victory was his! Victory belonged to the Zebras. Groton 4 - Exeter 3.
The boys stormed the court, embracing Will and one another. Coach Conner joined the tight circle and shared that he considers this match to be one of the great Groton victories in his forty-two years coaching this team. The road trip home featured amazing music, singing, spirited conversation and a stop at the Haverhill McDonald's. What a day. What a team. Let's go, Groton!
Back
Exeter came out very strong in doubles, winning both at number #3 vs. Co-Captain Jack Lionette and Michael Lu and at #1 vs. Griffin Gura and Trip Wight. Their players were aggressive, volleying crisply and serving well. Though Groton won at #2 (Co-Captains Larry Li and Will Vrattos), after doubles, the score stood Exeter 1 - Groton 0.
The top four singles players then took the courts, and it was clear that Groton had its hands full. The Exeter boys seemed to have a strong game plan to further their lead. But, not so fast! Griffin Gura got the Zebras on the scoreboard with a sparkling straight set win. His groundstrokes simply were lethal. Groton 1 - Exeter 1. The next match off the courts was #4. Jack Lionette won his first set in a tie-breaker against an extremely steady opponent. Jack's fitness and mental strength provided the path to victory in the second set by a score of 6-0. Groton 2 - Exeter 1. Meanwhile, Trip Wight (#2) and his opponent split sets, which sent their match into a 10-point tiebreaker. Exeter, unfortunately, prevailed, 11-9. Groton 2 - Exeter 2.
Larry Li (#1) was battling valiantly at number 1 against a very strong opponent. He lost the first set, but stormed back to capture the second in a tie-breaker. Another tiebreaker (now ten point) would begin to decide the victor, but, alas, Exeter came out on top, 10-7. Exeter 3 - Groton 2.
So, Groton would need the final two matches! Will Vrattos would be at #5, while newcomer to the varsity squad, Michael Lu, was at #6. An enthusiastic crowd was gathering to witness the end of this tight match. Michael played with remarkable accuracy and focus. His serves, volleys and placement of groundstrokes opened up many possibilities for winning points. He stayed calm and confident, hallmarks of this Groton team. The result? A brilliant straight-set victory. The match was now tied: 3-3.
Everything would fall on the shoulders of Will Vrattos, who had won the first set convincingly. Unfortunately, his worthy opponent battled back to win the second set. One set apiece! A ten point tiebreaker would determine the winner of the entire Groton - Exeter match. Will simply dug deep, placing balls shrewdly, running down every single ball that came his way. He took a slight lead, and then a longer lead, yet his opponent started to battle back. Yet, with a match point at 9-7, Will forced an error on his opponent. Victory was his! Victory belonged to the Zebras. Groton 4 - Exeter 3.
The boys stormed the court, embracing Will and one another. Coach Conner joined the tight circle and shared that he considers this match to be one of the great Groton victories in his forty-two years coaching this team. The road trip home featured amazing music, singing, spirited conversation and a stop at the Haverhill McDonald's. What a day. What a team. Let's go, Groton!
Groton School Mission: To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.
© 2025 Groton School. All Rights Reserved.
