KIRTLAND—First-year Kirtland head coach Bob Lasecki knew his young tennis team would need some time to develop this season but he likes what he has seen so far, especially after Friday’s 4-1 win over visiting Wickliffe at the Lakeland Community College tennis courts.
The Hornets won two of the three singles matches and swept the Blue Devils in doubles play.
“It was another good day for us,” Lasecki said. “I’m proud of our effort and improvement. This game is more mental than you think and our mental toughness is getting stronger.”
Kyle Lutz defeated Mikey Mezacapa in first singles, 6-1, 6-1, to improve to 3-2 on the year and Justin Aranavage topped Malakai Blake, 6-4, 6-1, in second singles. Aranavage is 2-4 this season.
Wickliffe’s Brenton Petras beat Reid Friedenberg, 6-4, 6-4, in third singles.
“Kyle and Justin did well controlling their emotions today,” Lasecki said. “There were times when the wheels could have fallen off but they didn’t. They started to work on placement, which helped in their wins.”
Mike Schnur and Alex Weaver teamed up to beat Ian Gamiere and Christine Masten in first doubles, 6-0, 6-0, and Lauren Lutz and Christian Heimsoth topped Leah Borsich and Grace Bittence in second doubles, 6-0, 6-0.
Schnur and Weaver improved to 4-1 on the year while Lutz and Heimsoth are 1-0 as a doubles team.
“Coach Harvey and I are excited about the improvement and development of all our players and look forward to a fun second part of the season,” Lasecki said.
Lance Dolovacky won his first JV match of the season, 8-1, in a pro set.
