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Westies fall in LL tournament
Solid season ends early
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 30, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team has played well all season. The team was rewarded with a berth in the Class LL state tournament.
Unfortunately for the Westies, the run ended quickly as no one advanced past the first round. The Westies saw tough competition throughout and battled, before coming up short.
In opening round play to move to the first round, West Haven lost three singles players. Sebastian Moraga drew top-seeded Jacob Karp of Conard and battled before falling 6-2, 7-5.
Gabe Borelli drew No. 7 Yossi Kohrman-Glaser of Newtown and fell 6-0, 6-0. John Biba drew No. 13 Jonathon Rajagopalan of New Milford and also fell 6-0, 6-0. In first round action, Eric Mitchell fell to Glastonbury’s Vinny Laudonne 6-0, 6-0.
In doubles play, the team of John Matrisciano and Howard Powell drew No. 15 Tyler Ruenacht and Sean Elliot of Newtown. Ruenacht and Elliot were too much as they defeated Matrisciano and Powell 6-1, 6-0.
Devin Hickman and Abdul Zaccariah drew Baxter Stein and Jason Chaskin of Staples and fell 6-0, 6-0, while Chris Ashong and Chris Mazzacane fell to No. 14 Louis McKenzie and Shawn Speer of Greenwich 6-0, 6-1.
John Matrisciano. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Sheehan defeats Westies
WH drops 5-2 decision
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 24, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team fell to 11-9 with a 5-2 loss against Sheehan Thursday afternoon in the regular season finale. The Westies won one match in each of the singles and doubles play.
In singles action, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Yu-Chuan Yang 6-0, 6-3, Sebastian Moraga beat Matt Mezzei 6-3, 0-6, 10-6, third-seeded John Matrisciano fell to Joe Chordas 6-4, 6-3 and fourth-seeded Howard Powell lost to Fahd Tayoubi-Idrissi 6-2, 6-1. Devin Hickman lost to Charl Van Heerden 6-3, 6-2 as Matrisciano, Powell and Hickman played singles after playing doubles the majority of the year.
In doubles action, Chris Ashong and Chris Mazzacane defeated Kevin Thompson and Tim Earley 6-2, 6-3 and Abdul Zaccariah and Gabe Borelli fell to Nick Bartek and Tyler Konopka 6-2, 7-6 (4).
John Biba. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Quick Exit
West Haven loses to Hand in SCC quarterfinals
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 23, 2012) – The stay for the West Haven boys’ tennis team in the Southern Connecticut Conference tournament was a short one. The No. 7 Westies fell to second-seeded Hand 7-0 in quarterfinal action in Madison.
The Westies were shut out in all but two matches. In singles play, Eric Mitchell fell to Scott Rubinstein 6-0, 6-0, Chris Mazzacane lost to Alex Rieger 6-0, 6-0 and Chris Ashong lost to James Drum 6-0, 6-0. Sebastian Moraga was defeated by Yanshou Yang 6-1, 6-1 and John Biba fell 6-0, 6-0.
In doubles action, John Matrisciano and Howard Powell fell in the
top slot to Patrick Monico and Drew Gordon 6-0, 6-0 and second-seeded Devin Hickman and Abdul Zaccariah lost Walter Jongbloed and Nate Vancil 6-0, 6-1.
Westies defeat Lyman Hall
Sweep in doubles leads to victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 17, 2012) - The West Haven boys’ tennis team rebounded from Wednesday afternoon’s loss against Foran with a 4-3 home victory over Lyman Hall. Thursday afternoon’s victory improved West Haven’s record to 11-7.
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Wesley Krombel 6-3, 6-0, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane fell to Brian Murphy 6-3, 6-2 and fourth-seeded Sebastian Moraga lost to Nick Fiorillo 6-1, 6-4. Chris Ashong won at the third seed over Jake Struble, 6-3, 6-7 (4) and 6-4 while fifth-seeded John Biba defeated Zack Sola 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
In doubles play, top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell defeated Alex Sousa and Nick DelGreco 6-2, 7-6 (3). Second-seeded Abdul Zaccariah and Devin Hickman were 6-3, 6-3 winners over Mike May and Jason Brooks.
Westies fall to Foran
Loss drops Westies to 10-7
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 16, 2012) – After qualifying for the Class LL state tournament two days earlier, the West Haven boys’ tennis team fell to Foran 5-2. The loss dropped the Westies to 10-7 on the season.
West Haven won once in each of the singles and doubles matches. In singles play, fourth-seeded Sebastian Moraga defeated Kyle Michelson 6-3, 6-2, while the second-seeded team of Devin Hickman and Abdul Zaccariah defeated Kevin Vargas and Brandon Lee 6-3, 7-5.
In singles action, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Bradley Orban 6-0, 6-0, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane fell to Kyle Lockwood 6-3, 6-1 and third-seeded Chris Ashong lost to Julian Yullawan 1-6, 7-5, 6-2. John Biba rounded out singles action with a 6-1, 6-1 loss to Brendan Carey.
In doubles play, top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell fell to Brian Darrow and Zach Taylor 5-7, 10-4, 10-7.
On to the Postseason
West Haven victory qualifies team for tournament
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 14, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team is having an impressive season. That season just got better Monday afternoon when the Westies defeated Wilbur Cross.
The 4-3 victory over the Governors allowed West Haven to qualify for the Class LL state tournament with a 10-6 record.
West Haven swept play in doubles action to seal the victory. Top-seeded John Matrisciano and Devin Hickman defeated Jigar Kumar Patel and Ahmad Abdulatief 6-3, 6-1 and second-seeded Abdul Zaccariah and Mike Tran were victorious over Liliana Kearson and Gaby Torres by scores of 6-3, 7-6 (2).
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Amos Orr 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 and second-seeded Chris Mazzacane lost to Jorge Monroy 7-6, 10-7.
Chris Ashong won at the third seed by scores of 6-3, 6-3 over Tyla Goodridge and Sebastian Moraga fell to Eric Gorski 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. John Biba rounded out singles play with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Shinho Kim.
Westies defeat Law
Second straight win improves record to 9-6
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 10, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team improved to 9-6 Thursday afternoon, winning its second straight match and fourth in five decisions. The victory came in Milford as the Westies defeated Jonathan Law 6-1.
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell defeated Ben Marus 6-1, 6-3, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane was victorious over Krishnan Sureshkumar 6-1, 6-4, Chris Ashong defeated Michael Walker 6-3, 7-5 and Sebastian Moraga was a 7-5, 6-3 victor over Soumya Kundu. John Biba suffered the only defeat as he fell to Adam Weber 6-2, 6-4 in the fifth slot.
In doubles action, top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell defeated Jack Campbell and James Ralston 6-3, 6-3 and Abdul Zaccariah and Devin Hickman were victorious over Ratan Manohar and Gabe Salles 6-2, 6-2.
Westies nip North Haven
Close match results in 4-3 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 7, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team improved to 8-6 with a 4-3 victory over North Haven Monday afternoon. The Westies have now won three of their last four matches.
West Haven won the match in singles play, taking three of the five matches. Top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Pat LeGates 6-4, 6-0, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane defeated Zach Tabak 6-1, 6-0 and third-seeded Chris Ashong won over Mike Iovanne 6-2, 6-3.
Sebastian Moraga also won in singles play with a 6-4, 6-3 decision over Nick McInnis. John Biba retired at the fifth slot against Evan Manemeit, trailing 6-3, 1-4.
In doubles play, second-seeded Abdul Zaccariah and Devin Hickman defeated Matt Siwek and Allesandro Cavaliere 6-1, 6-1. Top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell fell to Sam Dzialo and Rees Kamp 5-7, 6-4, 10-8 (tiebreaker).
Westies fall to Shelton
Loss snaps two-match winning streak
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 4, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team entered Friday afternoon’s contest against Shelton looking to extend its winning streak. That did not happen as the Westies saw their two-match winning streak end with a 6-1 loss against Shelton, dropping the Westies to 7-6 on the year.
West Haven’s only victory came in doubles play as Howard Powell and John Matrisciano defeated Jason Tran and Max Wang 6-4, 5-7, 4-6. Abdul Zaccariah and Devin Hickman fell to Alex Lee and Jomari Villaluz in the other doubles contest by scores of 7-5, 2-6 and 7-6 (7-4 in the tiebreaker.
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell was defeated by Kyle Packnick 6-1, 6-2, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane fell to John Villaluz 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 and third-seeded Chris Ashong lost to Brian Lampert 7-5, 7-6 (8-6). Sebastian Moraga fell in the fourth slot to Andrew DaRin 6-3, 6-3 and John Biba was defeated by Brian Welch 6-2, 6-3.
Westies beat Career
Doubles teams key to victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(May 2, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team used a sweep from its doubles teams to defeat Career Monday afternoon in New Haven. The pair of victories allowed West Haven to post a 4-3 victory and improve to 7-5 on the year.
Top-seeded Howard Powell and John Matrisciano defeated Preetham Bangera and Almar Robar 7-5, 6-1. Second-seeded Abdul Zaccariah and Devin Hickman also won a close match, defeating Christian Borja and Nofel Khan 6-3, 6-3.
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Kyle Catubig 6-1, 6-1 and second-seeded Chris Mazzacane defeated Srinath Ramanan 6-3, 6-2. Third-seeded Chris Ashong fell to Zaib Ansari 7-5, 6-0, fourth-seeded Sebastian Moraga defeated Mahir Rana 6-0, 6-2 and John Biba retired against Syed Hussain in the fifth-seeded match.
Westies defeat East Haven
Win improves WH to 6-5
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 30, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team improved to 6-5 with a 4-3 victory over East Haven Monday afternoon. The road victory saw the Westies win three matches in singles play to take home the victory.
Second-seeded Chris Mazzacane defeated Tim Dessureau 6-3, 6-2, third-seeded Chris Ashong defeated Mike Dessureau 6-1, 6-2 and fifth-seeded John Biba defeated Evan Schneer 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. Top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Mike Vessicchio 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 and fourth-seeded Sebastian Moraga lost to P.J. Warrick 6-1, 6-4.
In doubles play, top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell fell to Jake Fetzner and Sean Dugan 7-6 (5), 1-6, 6-4. Second-seeded Abdul Zaccariah and Devin Hickman defeated Steve Carofano and Joe Haesche 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) in the closest match of the day.
BOYS TENNIS 2012
Not Enough
Westies nipped by Bulldogs
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 26, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team knew it would be in for a battle Thursday afternoon when the Westies played host to Bunnell. The Westies were right.
In a match which came down to the top doubles seeds, Bunnell defeated West Haven 4-3. With the loss, West Haven dropped to 5-5.
In what were the closest matches of the day, the teams split the doubles contests. Top-seeded John Matrisciano and Chris Mazzacane fell 7-5, 6-4 to Matt Zocco and Julien Debelle Duplan. The second seed of Abdul Zaccariah and Chris Ashong defeated Dan Green and Pat Aspinwall 6-3, 3-6, 10-8 in a tiebreaker.
Bunnell dominated the singles matches in which the Bulldogs won. Top-seeded Blake Norton defeated Eric Mitchell 6-0, 6-0, second-seeded Mike Dolph defeated Sebastian Moraga 6-0, 6-0 and third-seeded Chris Nava defeated John Biba 6-0, 6-1.
West Haven won the four and five matches. Fourth-seeded Howard Powell defeated Mike Kassimis 7-5, 6-2 and fifth-seeded Devin Hickman beat Ben Stein 6-1, 6-4.
Devin Hickman. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandelske.
Westies fall to Branford
Hornets post 7-0 victory
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 25, 2012) – After getting back on the winning track against Hamden Monday afternoon, the West Haven boys’ tennis team was hoping to build a winning streak. Unfortunately for the Westies, they ran into a tough Branford team and fell 7-0.
“The team gave a great effort,” West Haven coach Jason Kirck said after his team fell to 5-4. “We were very competitive. I am very proud of the team’s effort, especially at one, two and three.”
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell 6-1, 6-4, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane lost 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (3) and third-seeded Chris Ashong fell 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. Sebastian Moraga fell at the fourth slot 6-1, 6-1 and John Biba lost as the fifth seed 6-2, 6-2.
In doubles play, top-seeded Howard Powell and John Matrisciano lost 6-4, 6-1 and second-seeded Devin Hickman and Jaime Carrillo lost 6-1, 6-0.
Chris Ashong. Photo courtesy of Todd Dandfelske.
Back on Track
Westies snap two-match skid with win over Hamden
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 23, 2012) – After dropping two consecutive matches, the West Haven boys’ tennis team looked to get back on the winning track Monday afternoon against Hamden. On a chilly day in West Haven, the Westies were able to do so.
Winning three of four singles matches, West Haven defeated Hamden 4-3. With the victory, West Haven improved to 5-3 on the year.
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Teal Howard 6-1, 6-0 and second-seeded Chris Mazzacane lost to Seth Bjorkman 7-6 (3), 4-6, 10-7 in a tiebreaker.
Chris Ashong won for West Haven at the third slot with a 6-1, 6-2 decision over Mark Vanoorbeeck. Sebastian Moraga defeated fourth-seeded Dmitri Ostapenko 6-0, 1-6 7-6 (7) and John Biba was victorious over Arslan Younas in the fifth slot, 7-5, 4-6, 6-0.
In doubles play, John Matrisciano and Howard Powell defeated Ben Bonadies and Derek Updegrove 6-2, 6-1 in the top slot. Second-seeded Mike Tran and Devin Hickman fell to Nick Wiehler and Jarrett Neckameyer 6-3, 6-2.
Westies fall to Bunnell
Loss drops West Haven to 4-3
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 20, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team traveled to StratfordFriday afternoon looking to get back on the winning track. After falling to Notre Dame, the Westies were looking to get back to their winning ways.
Unfortunately for the Westies, they could not find a way in a 5-2 loss to Bunnell. West Haven won just once in both singles and doubles play in the defeat.
In singles action, only Sebastian Moraga was able to pull out the victory as he defeated Ben Stein 6-0, 6-2 in the fourth slot. John Biba and freshman Mike Tran picked up the other West Haven victory in doubles play, defeating third-seeded Brandon Thomas and Mike Kassimis 7-6(3), 6-2.
In other singles matches, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Blake Norton 6-1, 6-0 and second-seeded Chris Mazzacane fell to Mike Dolph 6-0, 6-0. Chris Ashong was defeated in the third slot by Chris Nava 6-2, 6-1.
In doubles play, the top seed of John Matrisciano and Howard Powell lost to Matt Zocco and Julien Debelle Duplan 6-0, 6-4. Second-seeded Devin Hickman and Abdul Zaccariah fell to Pat Aspinwall and Dan Green 6-2, 6-3.
Green Knights down Westies
ND stops West Haven 6-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 18, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team came into Wednesday’s contest with Notre Dame fresh off an upset of Xavier. Looking to keep the momentum going, the Westies were stalled by the Green Knights.
Sweeping five singles matches, Notre Dame defeated West Haven 6-1. With the loss, West Haven falls to 4-2.
West Haven’s only victory came in doubles action as top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell won 6-4, 3-6, 10-5. The second seed of Abdul Zaccariah and Gabe Borelli fell 6-1, 6-0 against Pat Francis and Gabe Sparks.
In singles play, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Mike Balokoz 6-1, 6-0, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane lost to Ed Lee 6-4, 6-1 and Chris Ashong lost to Colby Cretella 6-1, 6-1.
Fourth-seeded Sebastian Moraga lost to Vankayala Abhilaash 6-2, 7-6 (4) and Devin Hickman fell to Bob Steele 6-1, 6-0.
Quick Start
Westies improve to 4-1 with win over Xavier
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 16, 2012) – The West Haven boys’ tennis team is off to its best start in quite some time. The Westies continued their solid play when they defeated Xavier, Monday afternoon, 4-3, in West Haven.
West Haven won the match on the strength of its singles play, winning three matches. With the victory, West Haven improved to 4-1 on the season.
Eric Mitchell won at the top seed by defeating James Rosborough, 6-4, 6-4 and second-seeded Chris Mazzacane defeated Ryan Villanueva 6-1, 6-2. Devin Hickman also won in singles play as the fifth seed defeated Sam Sokolowski 7-5, 6-2.
Chris Ashong and Sebastian Moraga fell in singles action. Ashong lost as the third seed against Chris Hayes, 7-5, 6-3 and Moraga fell to fourth-seeded George Gilbert 6-4, 1-6, 6-2.
In doubles action, top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell defeated Alex Thongsythavong and Mitch Kendrioski 5-7, 7-6 (7), 6-4. Second-seeded Abdul Zaccariah and John Biba fell 6-2, 6-2 against John Borea and Rob Borea.
Three in a Row
Westies defeat Career to improve to 3-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 13, 2012) – After losing in the season opener, the West Haven boys’ tennis team has rolled off three consecutive victories. The latest win came Friday afternoon against Career when West Haven posted a 4-3 win at West Haven.
The decisive victories came in doubles play as the Westies won both matches. Top-seeded Howard Powell and John Matrisciano defeated Josh Dalby and Juwan Williams 6-0, 6-4 and second-seeded Abdul Zaccariah and Devin Hickman defeated Pretham Bangera and Nofel Khan 6-3, 6-4.
Career won three of the five singles matches. Top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Kyle Catubig 6-3, 6-1, while second-seeded Chris Mazzacane won over Srinath Ramanan 6-2, 6-2. Chris Ashong fell as the third seed to Zaib Ansari 7-5, 6-7 (5) and 7-5 in a tiebreaker,
The fourth match went West Haven’s Sebastian Moraga, who defeated Syed Hussain 6-2, 6-4. John Biba rounded out singles play with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to Mahir Rana.
Westies Win Second Straight
Defeat North Haven to improve to 2-1
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 9, 2012) - After opening the season with a loss against Foran, theWest Haven boys’ tennis team has rebounded nicely. The Westies have won two straight matches, including Monday afternoon’s 4-3 win at North Haven.
The Westies won three of five singles matches and split a pair of doubles matches. In singles action, top-seeded Eric Mitchell fell to Andrew Amarone 6-0, 6-2, second-seeded Chris Mazzacane defeated Owen Evans 7-5, 6-4 and third-seeded Chris Ashong beat David King 6-3, 6-1. Sebastian Moraga won as the fourth seed with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Zach Tabak and Devin Hickman fell in the fifth slot to Pat LeGates 6-2, 7-5.
In doubles action, top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell defeated Sam Dzialo and Reese Kamp 6-4, 5-7, 6-1. Second-seeded John Biba and Gabe Borelli fell to Mike Iovanne and Evan Mahemeit 6-2, 6-1.
Westies Defeat Cross
Sweep doubles play in first win of year
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 5, 2012) – After opening the season with a loss to Foran, the West Haven boys’ tennis team looked to rebound against Cross Thursday afternoon. Sweeping both doubles matches and winning three times in singles play, the Westies defeated Cross 5-2 to pick up their first win of the year.
West Haven played well in doubles action as John Matrisciano and Howard Powell defeated Alvaro Quispe and Shinho Kim 6-0, 6-2. The second team of Abdul Zaccariah and Gabe Borelli beat Gabriela Torres and Ahmad Abdulatief 6-2, 6-3.
In singles action, Eric Mitchell fell in the top spot against Amos Orr, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. Second-seeded Chris Mazzacane defeated Jorge Monroy 6-2, 6-4 and third-seeded Sebastian Moraga fell to Alisha Noble 7-6 (4) and 7-6 (5).
Chris Ashong won at the fourth spot, defeating Liliana Kearson 6-0, 6-0 and Devin Hickman won at the five seed when he beat Janelle Stephenson 6-1, 6-3.
Westies Fall in Opener
Foran defeats WH 5-2 as regular season begins
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
(April 4, 2012) – West Haven boys’ tennis coach Jason Kirck knew his team would be in for a challenge as the 2012 season began. Facing a tough Foran team, Kirck would see where his team was at.
While the Westies were defeated 5-2 in the season opener for both teams, the Westies played well throughout the day. Kirck felt his team would battle for positions throughout the season and Wednesday afternoon was no different. The Westies battled in each match and showed Kirck how tough they will be throughout the year.
In singles action, Eric Mitchell fell to a top player in Bradley Orban 6-0, 6-0. The rest of the singles matches were battles as Chris Mazzacane fell to Kyle Lockwood in the second seed, 6-4, 6-1 and Sebastian Moraga lost to Kyle Michelson in the third slot 6-3, 6-2.
Chris Ashong was unable to fight back in the fourth spot, losing to Foran’s Brendan Carey 6-4, 6-4. Fifth-seeded Devin Hickman picked up West Haven’s lone victory with a 6-3, 6-4 decision over Brendan Lee.
"Devin Hickman played an awesome match at number five singles and the number two doubles team of Abdul Zaccariah and Gabe Borelli also played well," Kirck said. "We look to continue to improve all areas of our game as we host Cross on Thursday."
In doubles play, top-seeded John Matrisciano and Howard Powell fell to Brian Darrow and Zach Taylor 6-4, 6-0. Second-seeded Gabe Borelli and Abdul Zaccariah defeated Kevin Vargas and Nely Valdez 6-4, 6-2.
Balanced Attack
Numbers and depth give Westies confidence for season
By MIKE MADERA
Westie Blue
West Haven boys’ tennis coach Jason Kirck has plenty of reasons to smile as the 2012 season approaches. Not only does the fourth-year coach have numbers in his favor when it comes to the amount of players, he also has competitive depth on the team.
Kirck’s squad will battle every day for seeding as the talent level is very close. Where the talent level may have been spread out in previous years, such is not the case this year as the players are all on the same playing field.
“We have a lot of balance this year.” Kirck said. “We have a lot of balance this year. There is not a lot separating a lot of the singles players. That is a positive. Our one through five are very solid. They are good team players. We will adjust throughout the season.”
Proof the balanced team is very close on the singles side is there have been no seedings given to any of the top five players as of yet.
“That is a real positive thing,” Kirck said of the balance and battle for seedings. “The kids are really positive this year. The attitude of the players and their willingness to come to practice with an openness to be instructed has been great. Their overall competitive spirit has been great and they have been competitive with each other.”
The Westies will be led by senior tri-captains Eric Mitchell, John Matrisciano and Sebastian Moraga. Mitchell and Moraga will play singles while Matrisciano will see action on the doubles side.
Juniors Chris Mazzacane, John Biba and Chris Ashong will all play singles, with Ashong also seeing time on the doubles side. Biba is presently nursing a back injury which could delay his start to the season.
Sophomores Devin Hickman and Howard Powell will see time in the lineup, but Kirck is not sure if they will play singles or doubles. That will be determined through competition and Kirck says Hickman has made “great strides in pushing to be a varsity player.”
“Our strength is our balance,” Kirck said. “From our number one singles player to our number two doubles players, we have solid players all the way through.”
The Westies also have four players battling for spots on the doubles side. Those players include senior Gabe Borelli, juniors Abdul Zachariah, Jimmy Carrillo and freshman Michael Tran.
“We want to qualify for the state tournament,” Kirck said. “We did that last year and it was a great experience. That is our goal again this year as a team goal.
“As individual goals, we want to improve every single day and every match. We want to make sure we are using proper fundamentals.”
West Haven opens the season at Foran, April 4 at 3:45 p.m. The Westies open the home season a day later against Wilbur Cross at 3:45 p.m.
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