Looking to build off last year’s 7-2 momentum, boys? tennis Coach Eric Bracciano says he and his team are setting up for a good season.
‘We graduated seven or eight guys last year, which is a large portion of the team. But the guys have been working hard in the off-season and they’ve back come to play,? said the coach.
Bracciano says he’s especially impressed with the maturity of these team members. And though this year was supposed to be a rebuilding year after graduating so many top players, he said ‘Seeing the guys this summer and at tryouts ? they’re doing a really nice job. They’re mature, respectful and playing well. They’ve practiced. We’re hoping to continue the tradition we started last year with our season.?
Captain Adam will head up the group on the number-one doubles team.
‘He’s just a really great leader on the team and a hard worker. I definitely expect good things from him,? Bracciano said.
Juniors Nick Ludwig and Eric K. hold the number one and number two spots for singles play. Both play in the doubles lineup last year.
Their coach said, ‘They both really improved from last year to this year ? very mature, very solid all-around games.?
Lake Orion took on Clarkston, the team Bracciano calls their toughest competition, in a preseason tournament, Monday.
Going in, Bracciano said taking the win would be difficult, but manageable.
‘We won the tournament last year, so we’re hoping that we can try to repeat that performance, but with us trying to reload our line-up this year, it’s going to be tough.?
Bracciano coaches some of Clarkston’s players, year-round, and he says the team is solid.
Dragons ended up in second place with 21 points. Clarkston took first with 27, Brandon was in third with 20 and Auburn Hills Avondale took fourth with eight.