MHS tennis seals state berth

By: Ken Weingartner
   The Monroe High boys’ tennis team might not have been able to get on the court as often as it would have liked so far this season, but when there the Falcons have been all business.
   Coach Jim Kushner has been impressed with the attitude and work ethic shown by MHS, which improved to 3-2 with a 4-1 victory Wednesday over Sayreville.
   It was the Falcons’ second win in as many matches against Sayreville, which dropped from the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division to the White Division. Monroe qualified for the NJSIAA team tournament with its first win over the Bombers, a victory that was needed so the team would have the required .500 minimum record by the qualifying date.
   "They definitely wanted to make the state tournament," Kushner said. "They told me that a couple weeks ago. I feel good that they’re focused on what they want. I think this can be a pretty good team. I have a lot of confidence in the boys. They work hard when we practice, and they’re learning."
   Monroe continues to be led by junior Frank Senatore at first singles. Senatore is 7-1 this year and has qualified for the state singles tournament.
   "I tell the boys to aim their sights high," Kushner said. "I tell them to do the best they can do so that they can see the best competition. It will help Frank to see the competition at states. We’ve had some pretty strong players at first singles in the last few years, and he fits right in there.
   "He’s not the same kind of player that we’ve had there in the past, but he’s very competitive. He keeps the ball in play and he’s very smart. Everything’s clicking for him right now and we hope it continues for the rest of the season."
   The Falcons have winning records at every position in the lineup, except second singles where Tal Falk is 1-4. But Kushner is confident that Falk’s record will improve.
   "It’s really surprising because he’s go the best strokes of anyone on the team," Kushner said. "Once he gains some more confidence, he’ll turn it around."
   John Ronan is 4-3 at third singles while the first doubles team of Matt Sweeney and Kris Worman is 3-1. The second doubles squad of Justin Bauman and Ken Stanley also is 3-1.
   "We’ve changed the doubles a little bit, and they’re getting better," Kushner said. "Our doubles have limited experience, but they’re getting used to each other as partners."
   Monroe had what Kushner termed a "predictable" stint in the GMC Tournament last weekend. The Falcons failed to advance anyone past the Round of 16, but Kushner was pleased with his team’s play.
   "We were underdogs in every match," he said. "We didn’t have anyone who was seeded. We had people play tremendously well, even in a loss. I was pleased."
   At this point in the season, Monroe normally would have at least 10 matches under its belt. But due to weather-related postponements, the Falcons have seen limited action.
   "We’re going to be playing a lot of tennis in the next couple weeks," Kushner said. "We have 24 boys out for the team, so there’s a lot of competition. I think that helps sharpen everybody. We haven’t hit the hardest part of our schedule yet. We still have South Plainfield and North Brunswick, and both those teams are pretty strong. But I think we have a fighting chance. We just have to take it step by step from here."