KIRTLAND—Kirtland’s tennis team concluded its final tune-up for Wednesday’s sectional tournament with a 4-1 win over visiting Wickliffe on Tuesday.
“That was a great way to end the season and to get ready for the Division II sectional at Hawken,” said Kirtland coach Bob Lasecki. “For a very young team, they exceeded all expectations. It was an awesome group to coach.”
Kyle Lutz defeated Malakai Blake, 6-2, 6-2, at first singles and Nathan Cardon topped Leah Borisch, 6-0, 6-0, at second singles.
Wickliffe’s Brenton Petras beat Reid Friedenberg, 6-1, 6-3, at second singles.
Kirtland swept both doubles matches with Justin Aranavage and Alex Weaver topping Mike Mulroy and Ian Ganniere, 6-0, 6-0, at first doubles and Octavian Dunca and Amber Yurick winning over Sabrina Stalley and Grace Bittence at second doubles, 6-2, 6-1.
Lasecki used several different lineups this season to prepare for the postseason and to provide each player with valuable match experience for future seasons.
“We had 11 players contribute at the varsity level and another 13 JV players all gained valuable playing experience,” he said. “I’m so happy for all of them. I’m looking forward to (Wednesday’s) sectional and the future. We will miss (seniors) Mike Schnur and Alex Weaver. They were a great addition to our team and helped on and off the court.”
Friedenberg is scheduled to play Gilmour’s Max Mendels in the first round of the sectional tournament while Lutz drew a bye and will play the winner of the first round match between NDCL’s Cam King and Perry’s Petar Galec. Aranavage will play Perry’s Dylan Kooyman.
Dunca and Christian Heimsoth open the postseason against Edgewood’s Thomas Hutchinson and Jacob Holden and Schnur and Weaver will open the postseason against Perry’s Mason Kooyman and Joe Compton.
The top four placers at sectionals advance to the district tournament.
After the season, the Hornets will continue to hit the court in preparation for next season and Lasecki and assistant coach Brian Harvey are eager to continue developing each player.
“The offseason will be fun with many players interested in improving and playing more tennis,” Lasecki said. “It’s cool from our perspective to see kids having fun, making friendships and competing. That’s why we took this job and we are excited for the future.”
