Opening Day Victory against Worthy Opponent, Deerfield!
Well, the boys varsity tennis team is back in action. And, wow, what a great opening match it was! Deerfield came to Groton, bringing a deep and talented team, coached skillfully by Mollie Domian. "What will this new season bring?," thought Coach Conner as he watched his troops warm up.
There is nothing like competing against an elite opponent, one with a great rivalry with Groton over many decades. beginning in the era of Jay Morsman, legendary Deerfield coach. Groton and Deerfield boys have always competed at the highest level with beautiful sportsmanship and a profound mutual respect for all the boys on each squad.
Groton began strongly, winning the doubles point, capturing victories at #1, 8-5 (Trip Wight / Michael Lu) and at #3, 8-5 (Husayn Ladha / Sam Lu). On to singles!
Groton's first point on the singles board came from the racquet of Husayn Ladha (#6), who won 6-4, 6-2. He brilliantly placed the ball around the court with very few errors. Newcomer 3rd former Sam Lu was next on the board (#4), winning decisively, 6-0, 6-1. His power and finesse made the difference. Groton now led 3-0. Just one more victory, and the match was over.
Well, Deerfield would not roll over. They were simply too strong to do that. Thaddaeus Flatz (3rd Former) fell 4-6, 2-6 at # 5. Groton 3, Deerfield 1. Only one more match was needed. And Groton had won the first sets at #1, #2, and #3 with their tri-captains Trip Wight, Griffin Gura and Michael Lu starting their matches crisply and decisively. Yet, trouble was brewing. Deerfield won the second set at all three positions! Each match would now head into a 10 point tiebreaker.
#1 and #2 were seesaw battles. In fact, each match got to 10-10 with the scores going back and forth constantly. Lots of brilliant play brought applause from the many fans in the gallery of the O'Brien Rink. Fortunately, at #3, Michael Lu simply took charge. He raced off to a 6-0 lead before closing out his match, 10-3, clinching a victory for Groton.
The icing on the cake was served by Trip and Griffin, who each prevailed, 12-10. GROTON WINS! 6-1.
Commented Coach Conner: "Another season begins. Lots of good signs on opening day. A number of areas for future improvement. Yet, this group has a very special spirit and wonderful leadership from our captains. I think they are going places! And, a talented and creative triumvirate of managers helped so much in every part of the match: Grace Janusz, Julia Landau, and Devon Gura."
Next Wednesday, the campaign continues at home against Exeter.
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There is nothing like competing against an elite opponent, one with a great rivalry with Groton over many decades. beginning in the era of Jay Morsman, legendary Deerfield coach. Groton and Deerfield boys have always competed at the highest level with beautiful sportsmanship and a profound mutual respect for all the boys on each squad.
Groton began strongly, winning the doubles point, capturing victories at #1, 8-5 (Trip Wight / Michael Lu) and at #3, 8-5 (Husayn Ladha / Sam Lu). On to singles!
Groton's first point on the singles board came from the racquet of Husayn Ladha (#6), who won 6-4, 6-2. He brilliantly placed the ball around the court with very few errors. Newcomer 3rd former Sam Lu was next on the board (#4), winning decisively, 6-0, 6-1. His power and finesse made the difference. Groton now led 3-0. Just one more victory, and the match was over.
Well, Deerfield would not roll over. They were simply too strong to do that. Thaddaeus Flatz (3rd Former) fell 4-6, 2-6 at # 5. Groton 3, Deerfield 1. Only one more match was needed. And Groton had won the first sets at #1, #2, and #3 with their tri-captains Trip Wight, Griffin Gura and Michael Lu starting their matches crisply and decisively. Yet, trouble was brewing. Deerfield won the second set at all three positions! Each match would now head into a 10 point tiebreaker.
#1 and #2 were seesaw battles. In fact, each match got to 10-10 with the scores going back and forth constantly. Lots of brilliant play brought applause from the many fans in the gallery of the O'Brien Rink. Fortunately, at #3, Michael Lu simply took charge. He raced off to a 6-0 lead before closing out his match, 10-3, clinching a victory for Groton.
The icing on the cake was served by Trip and Griffin, who each prevailed, 12-10. GROTON WINS! 6-1.
Commented Coach Conner: "Another season begins. Lots of good signs on opening day. A number of areas for future improvement. Yet, this group has a very special spirit and wonderful leadership from our captains. I think they are going places! And, a talented and creative triumvirate of managers helped so much in every part of the match: Grace Janusz, Julia Landau, and Devon Gura."
Next Wednesday, the campaign continues at home against Exeter.
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