Varsity tennis places ninth at states

South’s boys’ varsity tennis team placed ninth at states two weekends ago at Herbert Henry Dow High School in Midland.

“The team was very successful this season,” John Sullivan ‘17, team co-captain said, “But we could have played better.”

The team prepared for this tournament by having practice everyday and doing match play each practice to build up their mental and physical game Sullivan said.

The team played incredibly well according to Patrick.

“Ninth is decent, but based on the momentum we had going into the tournament and having done so well last year, we expected to do a little better.” Mickey Kuchta ‘19, team player said.

Number four singles player, Michael Willard ‘19 won his first set against Bloomfield Hills in the quarterfinals but a leg cramp in the second set impacted his play making the match go to a third set.

“The preparation the team did for states made the tournament easier to play because we felt confident.”

— Patrick Willard ‘17, team co-captain

said.

After a hard fought battle, Michael ended up losing the match.

“Before the tournament, we practiced different strategies too which helped when we were competing against higher level teams.” Kuchta said.

Teddy Sweeney ‘18 and Patrick Bourke ‘17, number one doubles players ended up winning their match against Rockford even after losing the first set.

Sweeney and Bourke had good net play. They advanced to the quarterfinals and lost to Ann Arbor Pioneer.

“I ended my tennis season at my highest level of play yet.” Sullivan said.

Sean Miller ‘19, number three singles player served consistently well throughout the tournament.

The team was not satisfied with their place in the tournament because their goal was to do better than eighth place, which is what they got last year Sullivan said.

“I am proud of all the work we put into this season, but we sadly came in ninth place,” Sullivan said.

Patrick is likewise proud of how the season progressed and that they had a top ten finish which shows that all their hard work and dedication payed off.

“I plan on practicing throughout the entire off season so next year I can show up to tryouts as a better player thus overall helping the team achieve its goals.” Kuchta said.

The team won their MAC Red Division and placed second at regionals this year.