Varsity Tennis v. Choate

4/25/2016

The Eagles traveled south to Choate Rosemary on an idyllic spring afternoon. After a successful early-season match up against Choate, the Eagles were optimistic but wary of being able to pull off a repeat victory. With the host team now at full strength, Eaglebrook's lineup would be playing up one number from the previous contest, meaning a more talented opponent across the board. In opening doubles play, the advantage fell to Choate who took two of three doubles matches, including the number one pairing in a tie breaker. The number three pairing of Serhant and Bond being the lone doubles victory. As they moved into singles play, including exhibition competition for Vishnu Rajakannan and Jerry Tang, the daunting task of winning four of six competitive matches lay ahead if the Eagles were to prevail.

Choate's number one singles player was an able competitor, forcing co-captain Jeffrey So to his limit, and beyond. With their captain on the ropes, the team took notice and dug in their heels in matches two through six. Jack Bond fought to a third set tiebreaker, where he came out victorious 10 points to 3. James Serhant steadily managed his opponent winning 6-4, 6-4. John Pope gave up 20 inches to his opponent, but only 4 games in a 6-3, 6-1 victory. At #3, Alexis Pontones found himself in a battle of similar styles, with the very first service game going to 9 deuces. However, Alexis's consistency and late match endurance carried him forward 6-3, 6-3.

Playing at #2 against an athlete that had previously beaten Eaglebrook's #1 player, Connor Buettner went up early 6-2. However, the talented #2 of Choate's would not easily succumb, and Mr. Buettner's skill and focus were put to the test. In his strongest performance of the season, Connor persevered 7-5 in the second set, and earned Man-of-the-Match honors.

Amidst the warm spring breeze and the cherry and dogwood blossoms, Eaglebrook achieved an impressive team victory against a perennial power, 5 matches to 2. Without question, the success helped the boys float North on I-91 that Saturday evening, and has given them the confidence to tangle with Cushing this coming Wednesday. This Friday, on Grandparents' Day, the Eagles will host the Doubles Invitational.

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