Bill O’Brien Photo
Aiden Spaar returns a shot. He won 7-6, 5-7, 6-1.
The Branford Boys tennis team evened its record to 1 – 1 with a 5 – 2 victory over the Sheehan Titans on Monday at the Branford courts.
“Despite not having our senior co-captain we played well and I look forward to an exciting year,” said coach Matt Fraenza.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Stas Balaji returns a shot.
Jared Platt was not available to play in the #2 spot but little was lost when Stas Balaji (pictured) filled in, winning 6 – 4, 6 – 4 over Sheehan’s John Oliveira.
“Our goal this year is to qualify for the state tournament once again,” Fraenza said. The Hornet’s finished 8 – 8 last year and made it to the states.
“We’re looking forward to using some first-year tennis players along the way. Last year we had a roster of 15 players and this year we have 19.”
One new player this year is Aiden Spaar (top photo) playing at #4 who went three sets, beating Sheehan’s Paxton Stawik 7 – 6, 5 – 7, 6 – 1.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Another was Bradley Stutzman who lost 6 – 3, 6 – 4 to Gerry Chica.
Bill O’Brien Photo
The Hornet’s #1 player Matt Sachs (pictured) had little trouble in his match with Drew Gilmore, winning both sets by identical 6 – 0 scores.
Bill O’Brien Photo
In doubles, Branford won two of the three matches with juniors Miles Conlin and Dan O’Neill winning 6 – 0, 6 – 2. Newcomer Alec Carlson and sophomore Justin Viscardi teamed up to win in three sets 6 – 4, 6 – 7, 7 – 6.
Bill O’Brien Photo
Matt Lombardi and Zach Dinoto talk strategy during their doubles match.
The duo of Matt Lombardi and Zach Dinoto lost in three sets to Sheehan 3 – 6, 6 – 4, 4 – 6
Bill O’Brien Photo
Coach Matt Fraenza checks out one of his team’s matches.
“We lost a tough match last week to Xavier 4 – 3 so this was a nice win to get back on track”, said Fraenza. “I was happy with everyone’s effort today.
Branford’s next home match will be on Monday, April 20, against Shelton.
###
