Brownsville wins the battle of the Falcon netters
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Connellsville’s Gavin Swink hits a hard shot back to his opponent, Brownsville’s Brad Beatty, during their singles match Monday at Connellsville Area High School.
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Brownsville’s Phil Thomas sends the ball over the net during his singles match against Connellsville’s Seth Dolan Monday at Connellsville Area High School.
Connellsville's Seth Dolan returns a serve hit from Brownsville's Phil Thomas Monday during their non-section match at Connellsville.
Brownsville's Jake Robbins plays a hard hit ball during his match against Connellsville's Ryan Blair Monday at Connellsville Area High School.
Connellsville's Cyrus Shepler rushes the net and sends the ball toward Brownsville's Noah Brown and Lenny Michaux during a doubles match at Connellsville Area High School.
Brownsville's Brad Beatty bears down on a shot in his No. 3 singles match with Connellsville's Gavin Swink Monday afternoon at Connellsville Area High School.
Connellsville's Ryan Blair hits a backhand towards Brownsville's Jake Robbins during the No. 1 singles match Monday at Connellsville Area High School.
Brownsville's Lenny Michaux returns a shot during his doubles match against Connellsville's Colton Swan and Cyrus Shepler Monday at Connellsville Area High School.
CONNELLSVILLE — With the spring sports season entering its second week, Monday’s non-section boys tennis match between Brownsville and Connellsville didn’t have the urgency or intensity of a match played later in the season.
But, the match did provide live competition and the opportunity to post an early win, which visiting Brownsville did by a score of 3-2.
Brownsville won two singles matches. Jake Robbins, the Falcons’ No. 1 singles player, held the early lead against Ryan Blair, let the advantage slip away and then rallied for the straight sets victory.
The opening match of the season was played under sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, but very windy conditions. Though warming, the sun was glaring, causing some issues during service games. Robbins had some problems serving into the sun.
“I slipped up a little because of the sun,” said Robbins. “I wanted to get my serves in with this wind.”
Robbins played doubles last season, but the sophomore moved into the No. 1 singles spot vacated with the graduation of Ryan Hartz. Hartz is currently a freshman at Saint Vincent College and playing No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles for the Bearcats.
“It’s a lot harder. Last year I had a partner,” said Robbins of his move to No. 1 singles.
As for his match against Blair, Robbins said, “I was trying to hold my serve and get a break. I was trying not to take it to a tie-breaker, which happened today. I made a good comeback.”
Although it’s early in the season, Robbins has set goals he’d like to accomplish as a sophomore and first-year No. 1 singles player.
“I want to try to win 50 percent of my matches. That’s my goal. And, I want to make it to the WPIAL doubles championship.”
Brownsville’s Phil Thomas also won in straight sets at No. 2 singles against Seth Dolan. Christian Carpenter and Shandon Marshall clinched the victory at No. 2 doubles.
Brownsville boys tennis coach Dan LoNigro said he has lot of holes to fill, but believes he has an athletic squad that will improve as the season progresses.
“I lost my Frazier (co-op) connection. Ryan Hartz graduated and Chad Koltiska went out for track,” explaned LoNigro. “We have two players back. One was a starter and the other was a non-starter. I have five freshmen, three sophomores and no juniors.”
LoNigro went recruiting during the off-season.
“Brad Beatty was on the track team. He’s a real good athlete,” said LoNigro. “I picked up three basketball players, Noah Brown, Shandon Marshall and Lenny Michaux. I asked them it they would come help the tennis team out.
“These other guys are athletic. Their tennis skills will come off their athleticism.”
LoNigro had a plan for the opening match of the season after the two teams scrimmaged on Saturday.
“I just want to compete with a big school like this and try not be embarassed,” said LoNigro. “Jake (Robbins) had a real nice game. He’s gained more confidence. He’s No. 1 now. He’s worked a lot with me. Jake’s a real smart kid and picked it up real easy.”
The initial strength roster is due next Monday, and LoNigro feels he has enough depth that the opening lineup might change.
“We haven’t had a chance to have challenge matches,” said LoNigro.
Connellsville coach Bill “Porky” Ricks said his lineup is set, except for the No 2 doubles. The Falcons’ wins came from Gavin Swink at No. 2 singles and the No. 1 doubles team of Colton Swan and Cyrus Shepherd.
“Our singles players are sure and the No. 1 doubles team of Colton (Swan) and Cyrus (Shepherd) is set,” said Ricks. “We’ve improved a little from last year.”
The Falcons won just one section match last year and Ricks believes wins will come as his players keep learning the game.
“I have to get the guys on the court to know the rules and what they are. They know more now than last year. Success will be more wins than last year,” said Ricks. “More than anything, they need to concentrate. If they take it serious, we should be a decent team.
“Getting to the playoffs, that’s the whole idea. I tell the team to do your best, just play to win, and make honest and fair calls. There’s no excuses. You can only blame yourself.”
Connellsville travels to Trinity Wednesday for another non-section match, and then opens section play Monday at Latrobe.
Brownsville is off until Monday when the Falcons host Thomas Jefferson at Cal U’s tennis courts in the Section 1-AA opener.