Five-match sweep boosts Cardinal netters to 4-2 on year
By: Nicholas Schaefer
With an extended break between matches due to series of weather-related postponements, the Lawrence High School boys tennis team had a viable excuse for a lackluster performance Monday.
However, the Cardinals (4-2) were as sharp and focused as ever as they swept all five matches to beat Steinert (3-3), 5-0.
“The whole team played with great effort,” said head coach Albert Paulsson. “I was worried about the time off, but the team played great. They came out and hit the ball extremely well.”
Both squads entered the contest with 3-2 records and were looking to move two games above the .500 mark.
“This match meant a lot so we could climb over the .500 mark,” Paulsson said. “It feels good to be 4-2 instead of being 3-3. The team feels great and has a lot of confidence right now.”
Senior Alex Tervooren returned to the Cardinals’ lineup after missing a few matches and won 6-0, 6-1 in first singles.
“Alex was very sharp,” said Paulsson. “His game was on. There was no signs of rust from his layoff.”
Junior Sid Gulati won his second singles match in straight sets 7-6 (7-5), 6-1.
“Sid took over the match in the second set,” Paulsson said. “He turned it on and finished very strong.”
Continuing his stellar first year was third singles freshman Marc Nichols winning 6-3, 6-3.
“He has come a long way during the season,” said Paulsson. “He is starting to mature and is making well thought-out strokes.”
Seniors Henry Duke and Roger Tonk won their first doubles match 6-2, 7-6 (7-4).
The second double point was very tough to obtain as senior Matt Angeli and sophomore Andruw Marks battled to win in three sets 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7-2).
“They lost the second set and regained the momentum in the third set,” said Paulsson. “When it really counted they showed a lot of heart winning the big points.”
Paulsson said he believes his team will improve as the season continues.
“The more match experience we gain the better we will become,” said Paulsson. “We will develop match toughness that will help us win big games.”
The Cardinals face Trenton today (Thursday).
“It will be a key match for both teams,” said Paulsson. “They have improved over the last couple of years. We will be ready for them.”
Paulsson said the Cardinals should be primed for a good showing at the upcoming Mercer County Tournament Monday.
“There will be a lot of competitive teams there,” he said. “With the best players in the area on the court, you don’t have a second chance to win. You need to put everything together from the start.”