Battle of the undefeated: Groton beats Andover
It was another match that the boys will long remember. Two undefeated teams, among the best in New England, squaring off on a Thursday afternoon in Andover. The boys did many things perfectly, including being ready to leave five minutes early from the Circle in order to get maximize warm-up time. The afternoon did not begin auspiciously, as Groton lost the doubles point. Only Powers Trigg and Gabe Scholl were able to win at #3. Matt Kandel and Aaron Jin dropped a close set a #1, and Sam Girian and Andrew Yang lost at #2.
In a team huddle before singles, Coach Conner commented that he was not worried, the team had the potential to win at any position and that finding themselves in this position, might, in fact, be something very good for the squad. How much did they want this victory? How confidently could they play?
And singles, in fact, turned out to be magical. Matt Kandel tied up the score with a sterling 6-1, 6-0 victory at #1. Powers Trigg finished next with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at #6. Aaron Jim then lost 6-7, 1-6, making the score Groton 2 - Andover 2. Gabe Scholl then notched a victory, 6-3, 7-5, having saved a few set points in the second. Where would the last victory come? Andrew Yang had won a very close first set, 7-5, while Sam Girian lost his first, 1-6. Suddenly, Sam came roaring back, winning his second 6-4, setting up a potentially dramatic third set. Yet, as he had done against Roxbury Latin, Andrew then closed out his second set, 6-3, to secure a victory for Groton: 4-2!
After the match, Coach Conner reflected: "I can't remember many times when Groton has beaten Andover, Exeter and Deerfield all in one season. I am so proud of how the boys battled back today. They have a lot of heart!" He also mentioned that alumni from past seasons have been writing to him recently, offering words of advice and encouragement to this new generation of racquetsmen.
A practice awaits tomorrow, and then Nobles before Long Weekend. Go, Zebras!
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In a team huddle before singles, Coach Conner commented that he was not worried, the team had the potential to win at any position and that finding themselves in this position, might, in fact, be something very good for the squad. How much did they want this victory? How confidently could they play?
And singles, in fact, turned out to be magical. Matt Kandel tied up the score with a sterling 6-1, 6-0 victory at #1. Powers Trigg finished next with a 6-1, 6-2 victory at #6. Aaron Jim then lost 6-7, 1-6, making the score Groton 2 - Andover 2. Gabe Scholl then notched a victory, 6-3, 7-5, having saved a few set points in the second. Where would the last victory come? Andrew Yang had won a very close first set, 7-5, while Sam Girian lost his first, 1-6. Suddenly, Sam came roaring back, winning his second 6-4, setting up a potentially dramatic third set. Yet, as he had done against Roxbury Latin, Andrew then closed out his second set, 6-3, to secure a victory for Groton: 4-2!
After the match, Coach Conner reflected: "I can't remember many times when Groton has beaten Andover, Exeter and Deerfield all in one season. I am so proud of how the boys battled back today. They have a lot of heart!" He also mentioned that alumni from past seasons have been writing to him recently, offering words of advice and encouragement to this new generation of racquetsmen.
A practice awaits tomorrow, and then Nobles before Long Weekend. Go, Zebras!
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