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Coach Coach Matt Fraenza with co-captains L-R Dan O’Neill, Miles Cronin and Matt Sachs.
The Branford boys’ tennis team is off to their best start since 2013 winning their third straight match of the season, a 5 – 2 victory over the Cheshire Rams last week. In 2013, the Hornets won their first eight matches in a row.
Last year the Hornets lost three of their first four matches and lost twice to Cheshire during the season, 3 – 4 and 2 – 5.
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Junior Justin Veilleux returns a shot at the net.
“This is a big win for our team and me personally,” said coach Matt Fraenza. “I hadn’t beat Cheshire since I’ve been the coach at Branford. They always have an excellent team. It feels great.”
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The Hornets won all four of their singles matches. Playing at No. 1, team co-captain Matt Sachs (pictured) won easily over Cheshire’s Owen Murray 6 – 0, 6 – 0.
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Brad Stutzman returns one at the net. He played at No. 2 and won his match 6-3, 6-4.
He was followed by Bradley Stutzman, who defeated Jaden Tirolo, 6 – 3, 6 – 4.
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Stas Balaji defeated Connor Watkinson of Cheshire 6-2, 6-3.
Other singles winners included Stas Balaji (pictured.)
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And Panteeth Ganedi .Both defeated their opponents by identical 6 – 2, 6 – 3 scores.
Prior to the Cheshire match, the Hornets had defeated Xavier, 4 – 3, and Sheehan, 7 – 0.
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In doubles, Branford’s other co-captains Miles Cronin (pictured) and Dan O’Neill defeated the Rams Jeff Russitano and Sanjay Montagna, 6 – 3, 6 – 1.
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Members of the tennis team include: front row L-R Stas Balaji, Dan O’Neill, Matt Sachs, Miles Conlin and coach Matt Fraenza. Back row L-R Paul Riccio,Rich Loftus, Justin Veilleux, Bradley Stutzman, Aedan Spaar and Praneeth Ganedi.
Branford’s next home match is against Shelton.
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