Staples 4 Ridgefield 0
5/24/2012 at Staples
Recap – by contributing writer Luke Foreman
Just like the regular season, both Ridgefield and Staples came to the courts knowing that this match could go either way. And just like the regular season, Staples emerged on top. Staples Boys Tennis defeated Ridgefield by a score of 4-0 in a highly anticipated FCIAC semifinal that left many fans of both teams with damaged vocal chords. The Wreckers raised their division record to 17-1 on the year, while the Tigers dropped to 15-3.
First off the court was the Staples tandem of Steve Thomson and Zack Levin, who remained undefeated for the season by knocking off Ridgefield’s Matt DePrima and Doug Butturini in a very energetic match at #1 doubles, 6-3, 6-3. Graham Hyman of Staples then avenged his regular season loss against Ridgefield’s Jordan Kuchta at #2 singles, beating him 6-0, 6-2 to widen the Wreckers’ lead. The #4 singles matched concluded soon after, as Staples’ Connor Mitnick defeated Ridgefield’s Tommy Knortz, 6-1, 6-4, to put Staples one match away from reaching their 3rd straight FCIAC final, and their 8th in 10 years. With Staples ahead in the other four closely contested matches, Baxter Stein avoided any prolonged drama holding off Hans Reuter of Ridgefield, 6-1, 7-5, at #5 singles to clinch the Staples’ victory prompting the Wreckers to rush the court in celebration.
While Ridgefield prepares for States, Staples faces off against undefeated Greenwich in the FCIAC final on Tuesday, May 29th. Greenwich has won 9 out of the last 10 FCIAC championships. Last season the undefeated Wreckers were knocked off by Greenwich in the FCIAC finals but then regrouped to edge Greenwich by 1 point in the State LL finals.
Singles
1. Jake Hirschberg (S) vs. Arnaud Valentin (R) DNF (did not finish – Staples won first set 7-6)
2. Graham Hyman (S) def. Jordan Kutcha (R) 6-0,6-2
3. Josh Moskovitz (S) vs. Zach Passman (R) DNF (Staples won first set 7-6)
4. Connor Mitnick (S) def. Tommy Knortz (R) 6-1,6-4
5. Baxter Stein (S) def. Hans Rueter (R) 6-1,7-5
Doubles
1. Steve Thomson / Zack Levin (S) def. Matt DePrima / Doug Butturini (R) 6-3,6-3
2. Evan Davis / Jack Reardon (S) vs. Pat Sheehan-Delany / Kellor Mosse (R) DNF
Match Order of Finish: 1D, 2S, 4S, 5S (clinching match)
[Tournament Matches end once first team wins 4 Matches.]
Link to news articles here and here
More photos are available under PHOTOS tab.
Next Matches:
Tues, May 29 – FCIAC finals at Wilton:
17-1 (19-1 overall) #2 Staples vs Undefeated 18-0 #1 Greenwich (who swept Westhill in Semis – Click here for news link )
Greenwich has captured nine of the last 10 FCIAC boys tennis titles. Staples has been FCIAC runner-up six times since 2003.
Thurs, May 31, 8:30am – CIAC State LL Preliminary Round and First Round at Hall, West Hartford
Staples Wreckers Boys Tennis 