Article published Sep 22, 2006
Eagles keep soaring thanks to 1-2 punch
TOM WITHERSPOON
Tribune Staff Writer
Culver Military Academy is ranked No. 13 in the state by the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association.
On Tuesday, CMA rolled over St. Joseph's 5-0. Their top two singles players, Frank Sunseri and Reggie Lemarroy, teamed up at No. 1 doubles to power past Griffin Jaques and Tommy Krcmaric.
Sunseri and Lemarroy at No. 1 and 2 singles are a rare luxury. Both are legitimate No. 1's, possessing comparable ability. They combine power and placement to overwhelm opponents.
At No. 2 doubles, Luis Troejo
and Nithin Reddy have not lost this season. CMA will value its consistent
victories in the postseason where they lacked doubles support in 2005.
The postseason, however, is not the chief focus for the Eagles. Coach Alan
Loehr is interested in building leadership qualities in his players
through the medium of competitive tennis. He is pleased thus far with the
team's development in terms of both competition and character, and
anticipates more.
Schedule tests Plymouth
Plymouth hosts Culver Military on Tuesday at 4:30, a preview of a
potential regional matchup. In 2005, both teams advanced to the South Bend
Clay Regional, only to lose to eventual state runner-up Penn.
Despite returning six starters from last season, Plymouth has had
difficulty with its strengthened schedule. The Pilgrims have three narrow
losses this season: 3-2 to No. 12 FW Canterbury, 3-2 to Warsaw, and 4-1 to
No. 17 Munster.
Coach Michael Delp senses that his team regained a sense of urgency after
the Warsaw loss.
"It was a defining moment after the Warsaw match," Delp said.
"We recommitted."
As is typical for Plymouth tennis, doubles play has been strong this
season. At No. 1 doubles, Jake Palmer and Evan Birchmeier have only one
loss. The No. 2 team has lost only twice.
Plymouth will have to be strong at singles against Culver Military Tuesday
and in the postseason. Delp thinks Plymouth's chances are better than ever
this year.
"Our team depth is our team strength," Delp said. "We have
the best singles lineup since I've been here."
Penn getting on track
After losing 4-1 to Munster over the weekend, Penn is back on track for
the playoffs with two victories this week over Elkhart Central and Adams.
At No. 1 singles, junior Troy Brinker lost Saturday to Munster's Billy
Heuer 6-4, 6-0. On Thursday Brinker overwhelmed Adams star freshman Omar
Turk 6-3, 6-1.
Brinker's game was on versus Turk. His experience and focus won out as
Turk became frustrated by several unforced errors. Brinker's powerful
strokes and relentless pursuit of the ball eliminated any easy points for
Turk.
On Tuesday, Marian senior Mike Koscielski also beat Turk 7-5, 6-2.
Koscielski lost to Brinker 7-6, 6-4 at the beginning of the season.
Koscielski, Brinker and Turk will lead their teams into the Penn sectional
which begins Thursday.