La Salle Tennis Red Hot Rolling Into Sectionals
Pictured In Photo: Freshman Ryan Patrick/ La Salle
A sport that many people at La Salle don’t realize is making just as much noise as everyone else is tennis. At 6-1 overall, the Cadets are sitting pretty heading into sectionals. Coached by Todd Crandall, the Cadets are unlike others sharing team chemistry which drives them to make themselves better.
The season got off to a rough start after a sweep defeat to state ranked Albany Academy for La Salle. “We have really good team chemistry” freshman Michael Fritz added in a quick chat. There have been many keys after that first loss, but freshman Ryan Patrick referred to it as a “bounce back” season. “Another key to success on the court is being mentally prepared” Patrick also added.
One of the Cadets closest matches came this week against Cobleskill, (4-3 FINAL). La Salle saw something they haven’t seen in the matches, losses within their doubles. This time was when Victor Ferrando and Jacob Bissontte fell 6-2, 6-1 and then Connor Patrick and Oscar Zhang losing 6-1, 6-2. The match that settled it all was between Aaron Feng and Nicholas Pryor. Feng gave LSI the victory in three sets. “I struggled, and we were lucky to come out with the victory” Ryan Patrick added after the victory.
The mindset of La Salle tennis has changed from last year, after the team went to the Class B Sectional Final and fell to Schuylerville. “I think our team chemistry is making us better players which helps us enjoy the matches” Michael Fritz added.
With only a week left in the season, La Salle hopes to keep their red hot season going with three matches scheduled to take place this week. The goal is to get back to the sectional final and capture the championship After this week after they will wait to hear their sectional placement.
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By Jake Martino
