By Zach Surchin
At the end of a very competitive season, the Irvington Boys Tennis Team was crowned league champions this season. They qualified for a spot in the sectional playoffs.
The Bulldogs had to play very well in this competitive league. One of their main rivals was Hastings, who they lost to one of their first matches. However, strong leadership and teamwork led to a resounding victory in their rematch.
The team was led by Coach Blake Guzman. In terms of player leadership, Senior captain Eldad Frechter was a great leader who played tremendously throughout the entire season. Without their leadership, it is unlikely that the team would have been able to reach these heights.
Frechter said, “I just tried to make everyone better every practice. I love playing tennis and helping my teammates improve.”
Outside of Frechter, the team had lots of stars who contributed to the multitude of wins the team acquired. These players included Junior Connor Maglienti, Junior AJ Sloyer, Sophomore Sawyer Stein, Junior Levent Sarayli, Junior Oliver Huang, Sophomore Hagai Frechter and Sophomore Paul Van Haetsdaele.
The chemistry that the team developed was hugely important in the success of the team.
Junior AJ Sloyer said, “I believe we were very close as a team throughout the year. Believe it or not, team chemistry matters in every sport; it even matters in tennis. This team chemistry is a reason why I think we won leagues.”
In the first round of the section playoffs, they knocked off the Pleasantville Panthers to reach the semifinals. However, a disappointing close loss to Rye Neck ended their season. Still, there is much reason to be proud.
