As the school year comes to an end, Jesuit tennis has worked hard to finish their regular season strong. On April 8-9, six Jesuit athletes competed in the Varsity district tournament at Samuel Grand Tennis Center in Dallas. Each student competed with great passion, respect, and dignity.
Results
Coach Wainwright said, “Overall, we did really well in districts. We had strong showing. We figured out where we needed to step up our game in the middle of our matches and adjust accordingly. We are now able to see moving forward to next year what our competition is like and what we need to improve to take back the district title. As far as Connor goes, with advancing into regionals, I am very proud with how he performed. I think that it is the first time in our district that anybody won without dropping a single game. To keep that level of focus and that mentality is very difficult even when playing people that are not as good as him. I am supper proud of him and I am looking forward what he can accomplish at regionals.”
Singles
In the singles draw both Junior Connor Cole and Freshmen Mark Scucchi competed. Cole won the tournament, going 48-0 in the game count, and winning against Lake Highlands player, Knox Stinson. Connor Cole will advance to the regional tournament which will happen on May 7-8. Mark Scucchi got 4th place in the tournament after losing a close match in the playoff finals 6-3, 3-6, 2-6 against Highland Park player, Prestcott Barnell.
Connor Cole said, “I’m excited that I won districts, and I’m glad that I have the opportunity to be able to play for regionals. I think it is going to be a great experience. I got to play regionals last year, but unfortunately did not make it to state, but I am hoping to improve this year and hopefully reach that higher level of tennis this year.”
Doubles
In the doubles draw, Dillon Blanton and William Wayne played together and Benjamin Woodard and Luke Nettune played together. Nettune and Woodard lost in the quarterfinals in a tough match against a Lake Highlands team 4-6, 5-7. Blanton and Wayne got 4th place in the tournament after losing a close match in the semifinal against a Highland Park team, 3-6, 7-5, 4-6, and then losing in the playoff final against another Highland Park team 3-6, 5-7.
William Wayne said, “I enjoyed districts a lot and at the same time learned quite a bit. I played some tough matches, and even though we lost in the end, it was a great experience!”
The Solar Eclipse During the Match
During Woodard and Nettune’s first match and Scucchi’s second match, the total solar eclipse went over Samuel Grand Tennis Center. All players were able to have an extended break to witness the unique event for the time of the totality.
Conclusion
Overall, the Jesuit team had a very successful district tournament. While most players are now done with the season, Cole will be able to compete for a spot in the state tournament during the regional tournament in May.
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